BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Mail order trees, shrubs, conifers and woody climbers

Description

An intriguing, rare selection of Carpinus which is named for the plum purple colour of its young growing tips in spring and summer. These are purple for a time, before fading to a lush, dark green. In a good crisp autumn, the leaves turn to a reliable, rich-yellow.

Although Carpinus betulus 'Purpurea' grows to be an ornamental tree if left to its own devices, you may also find that growing this as a large shrub by pruning lightly on a yearly basis will produce a flush of colourful new shoots and keep it to a smaller size.

Supplied Size: bare root trees (125 - 150 cm tall)

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any well drained soil. Carpinus betulus 'Purpurea' is tolerant of dry soil conditions.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Carpinus betulus 'Purpurea' grows to be a small to medium sized tree with a rounded crown once established.
  • Height: up to 18 m (60 ft)
  • Spread: 15 m (50 ft)

• Notes: Carpinus betulus 'Purpurea' is notably resistant to honey fungus.