Fern-leaved Beech 'Aspleniifolia'

'Aspleniifolia' is a magnificent and sophisticated variety of the Common Beech, prized for its deeply cut, fern-like foliage. The leaves are narrow and elegantly lobed, giving the tree a much softer, more ethereal texture than the standard beech. In spring and summer, the canopy is a lush, dark green, which then transforms into a rich, warm coppery-gold in the autumn. While it can eventually grow into a large, stately tree, it is slower growing than the species and maintains a more graceful, delicate appearance. It is a perfect specimen for a large garden or parkland where its unique texture can be appreciated from a distance. It is fully hardy (H7) and grows best in well-drained soil, particularly thriving on chalk or limestone. It creates a majestic silhouette in winter with its smooth, silver-grey bark and structural branching. It has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding ornamental qualities and reliability in the UK landscape.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; happy on chalk.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.