Fagus s. 'Purple Fountain' B&B 8-10'

Purple Fountain Beech
Pendulous branches drape from an upright leader as this unusual beech matures into a truly one-of-a-kind, living sculpture. Faster growing than Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’, this selection naturally grows tall and narrow without any staking or training—an elegant, upright form clothed in copper-beech foliage. Leaves emerge a coppery red in spring and deepen to a rich purple as the season progresses. Grows best in full sun and typically reaches 20–30' tall and 10–15' wide. Hardy to Zone 5.

Here at Hornbaker Gardens, this tree is more than just a striking focal point. It’s a piece of our family story. A fine specimen grows in the front yard of the house, but wander around to the northwest corner and you’ll find the more mature Purple Fountain Beech—now lovingly pruned (in 2025) to reveal the astonishing architecture of its branching. What once was admired mostly from the outside has now become a destination you can step into. The tunnels and openings created by its weeping form have become a favorite place for Pop’s grandkids to play, hide, imagine, and occasionally vanish into their own little worlds. When you visit, be sure to duck underneath and explore the space yourself. These beeches have a way of transporting you—adults and kids alike—into a quieter, almost storybook landscape.

And since you’ve made it this far, consider this your insider tip: don’t miss the green-leaf weeping beeches elsewhere on the property. Now over 30 years old, they are absolutely magnificent. They, too, were recently pruned to open up their interiors, creating shaded chambers and twisting passages beneath their ornate canopies.