Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Beech is a shrub for structure, suited to full sun to partial shade and loam, sandy soil or chalk, flowering varies by climate.
| Type | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 500 cm |
| Spread | 400 cm |
| Aspect | full sun to partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 4a-7b, RHS H6 |
| Pollinator-friendly | No |
| Pet-safe | No |
Where to use it in a border
At around 500 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 400 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 4a to 7b and rated H6 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of full sun, shade, sandy soil, chalk soil.
Border Builder uses Beech's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
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Worth knowing
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
- Not recorded as pet-safe; site it away from pets that graze if that matters to you.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Bergenia 'Purpurea'to edge in front
- Blue Windflowerto edge in front
- Bugleto edge in front
- Elephant's earsto edge in front
- Elephant's ears 'Baby Doll'to edge in front
- Forget-me-notto edge in front