I particularly like Midnight Feather because it combines very dark purple colour with unusually fine foliage. The effect is much lighter and more elegant than a traditional purple beech. Despite the delicate appearance of the leaves, it can develop into a substantial tree, so I would still allow it plenty of space.
Purple Beech ‘Midnight Feather’
25,00 €
A striking purple beech with exceptionally finely cut foliage, emerging copper-red before deepening to dark purple. An elegant upright tree with a much lighter appearance than traditional purple beeches.
Purple Beech ‘Midnight Feather’ is a modern selection of Fagus sylvatica, registered under the cultivar name ‘Verschuurfag 1’.
Its outstanding feature is the foliage. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow lobes, giving the tree an unusually fine and almost feather-like texture. Young foliage opens copper-red before becoming deep purple through the growing season, with the darkest colouring developing in good light.
The tree initially develops a regular upright and erect habit, with a strong central trunk. Its crown gradually becomes broader and more rounded with age. Published nursery trials indicate approximately 8 m in height and 6 m in width after ten years under favourable growing conditions.
Like common beech, ‘Midnight Feather’ prefers a reasonably deep, well-drained soil and grows in sun or partial shade. A sunnier position generally produces the strongest purple foliage colour. It can be grown as a specimen tree and can also tolerate formative pruning.
Variety characteristics
A Dutch horticultural selection bred by Peter Verschuuren and introduced commercially as Midnight Feather®.
Origin and identity
Verschuurfag 1|Verschuurfag1|Midnight Feather®
Growth and adaptation
Moderate growth, initially upright and erect with a strong trunk, becoming broader and more rounded with age. Approximately 8 m high and 6 m wide at ten years in favourable conditions.
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