Fagus sylvatica Rohan Green Weeping

Fagus sylvatica 'Rohan Green Weeping' is a rare variety of Common Beech that stands out for its compact weeping habit and wavy, toothed leaves. It grows slowly to form a curtain of foliage around the main stem. This small tree reaches a height of only 3m with a spread of 2.50m at maturity. In autumn, the green leaves take on a coppery hue before drying out, remaining attached to the branches until the new leaves appear in spring. This variety is easy to cultivate and will be particularly interesting for small gardens.

The beech, known as Fagus sylvatica in Latin, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. Its cylindrical trunk is covered with smooth, light grey bark. This tree can live for several centuries. Native to central Europe to the Caucasus, it is one of the most common species in European forests. Its reddish wood is used in cabinetmaking and for the production of wooden tools and toys, as well as for firewood. It is very hardy and can reach a height of 20m at maturity.

The cultivar 'Rohan Green Weeping' has a weeping habit. Over time, its branches will form a dense cascade to the ground, hiding the trunk behind its curtain of foliage. Its foliage consists of alternate leaves with wavy edges, giving them the appearance of oak leaves. They appear in spring before those of the common beech. Green throughout the year, they turn coppery in autumn. They are marcescent, meaning they dry out while remaining on the tree until the following spring when new leaves emerge. The flowers appear almost at the same time as the leaves. From April to May, barely visible, monoecious cream flowers appear. The male flowers are grouped in pendulous catkins. The female flowers are grouped in 2 to 4 at the end of the branches. Mature specimens produce shiny brown beech nuts, covered with bristly prickles. These fruits are edible in small quantities. Mountain dwellers used to use them to make flour.

Fagus sylvatica 'Rohan Green Weeping' is a very hardy tree. It prefers partial shade and non-scorching sunlight and thrives in cool and temperate climates. The soil should be moist and well-drained, with a constant level of humidity, as it does not tolerate drought. When planted alone, it has an elegant and romantic presence. It can also be integrated into a bed of small shrubs with varied foliage that it overlooks without smothering. Consider, for example, a purple hazel or a contorted hazel. Plant it near perennial ground cover plants or dwarf conifers, for example. It can also be trained as a topiary, grown in a large container, or made into a bonsai. Thanks to its small size, it is suitable for small gardens. It tolerates pruning well, which may be necessary if you want to keep the trunk visible.