Description
An intriguing, rare selection of Carpinus which is named for the plum purple colour of its young growing tips in spring and summer. These are purple for a time, before fading to a lush, dark green. In a good crisp autumn, the leaves turn to a reliable, rich-yellow. An ornamental tree if left to its own devices, you may also find that growing this as a large shrub by pruning lightly on a yearly basis will produce a flush of colourful new shoots and keep it to a smaller size.
Features
- Common name: Hornbeam.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: Fertile, well drained soil. Carpinus betulus 'Purpurea' is tolerant of dry soil conditions.
- Hardiness: Hardy.
- Rate of Growth: Moderate.
- Habit: Small to medium sized tree with a rounded crown once established.
- Height: 18 m (60 ft)
- Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
- Notes: This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.
- Supplied Size: 100 - 120 cm tall in 3L containers