Fagus sylvatica
The Green Beech is native to most of Europe from the British Isles, through Central Europe as far East as Romania, up as far north as Southern Sweeden and as Far South as Greece. An attractive tree it is frequently grown in parks and gardens and is traditionally used in farm, and home hedgerows and its dense foliage is a significant source of protection to wildlife.
Styles & Sizes: As bonsai, they make Medium to Large sized Bonsai in most upright forms, they also tend to be popularly used in forest groupings.
Position: The prefer a full-sun area, though at the height of summer they prefer a dappled shade location. While they are hardy bonsai plants if winter temperatures fall below -4C then they are best over-wintered in a cold greenhouse.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced organic feed, every two weeks if using a liquid feed, every other month if using a pelletised version or after the pellets have fully dissolved away. Feed from early spring until the end of summer.
Repotting: Young green beech’s grow roots rapidly and need to be repotted every year. Older trees can be re-potted as necessary, generally, if the growth in the current year is not as healthy as it can be it will benefit from a repotting in the following spring. Use a well-mulched bark, sharp sand, in equal parts. Alternatively, use a mix of Akadama, Pumice in equal parts.
Pruning: Trim back shoots to leave 3 leaves on stem once the stem has fully extended. It is wise to make substantial pruning cuts late in the season, as birches “bleed” profusely when the sap begins to run.
Wiring: The ‘clip and grow’ method is best for styling the beech. If wiring is required, wire in autumn, and remove before spring sets in entirely.