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Mid-Summer Featured Plant

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Fagus sylvatica 'Roseomarginata'
Tricolor Beech

This specimen Beech of garden origin is an eye catcher that deserves a closer look. From a distance its rose-colored foliage and horizontal branching habit (seen especially when the specimen is young) give this medium sized tree a unique character in the woody landscape.  Upon closer examination the leaves are seen to be nearly white with patches of green and pink margins (which are almost magenta during the spring months).

Tricolor beech
Tricolor beech displaying green, white
and pink tinged leaves

Looking for something a bit different, something quietly striking?  Visit the Chapel green in the early morning or at dusk when Fagus sylvatica 'Roseomarginata' is making its subtle statement in the day's softest light.

Fagus sylvaticus 'Roseomarginata'
The soft, horizontal branching habit
of Fagus sylvaticus 'Roseomarginata'.

Known since 1883 Fagus sylvatica 'Roseomarginata' is also sometimes called F. sylvatica 'Purpurea Tricolor';  a discrepancy exists as to whether the two names refer to one and the same plant or if 'Tricolor' is actually a variegated green leaf form of 'Roseomarginata'. Reaching up to 30' with a spread of 20', this smooth barked, rosy leaved beauty can make a stellar addition to a partial shade site (too much direct sun can cause scorching on pink areas of foliage).

F. sylvatica 'Roseomarginata' closeup
F. sylvatica 'Roseomarginata' closeup

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Mount Holyoke College  Botanic Garden
50 College Street, South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075
Telephone: 413-538-2116

Copyright © 2007 Mount Holyoke College. This page created by Web Strategy Team and maintained by Botanic Garden. Last modified on March 20, 2007.