It requires shady conditions, well-drained and acidic soil, and average temperatures that don’t exceed 75 degrees.
The tree is toxic to peopleand pets.
The leaves are prone toscorchingor stunted growth if not sheltered from the hot sun or dry winds.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Tricolor beech is best suited as an understory tree in shady conditions.
It does not do well in waterlogged soils.
Although less fussy than other beeches, tricolor often reacts poorly to urban conditions or salty soils.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
Water regularly for the first two years until the tree establishes its root system.
This tree reacts poorly to wide fluctuations in soil moisture, so water it during dry spells.
Tricolor beech prefers cooler climates with an average high temperature that doesn’t exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It’s best to prune during the late winter dormant season.
Tricolor beech can be planted close and pruned to become a hedge, as it tolerates pruning well.
However, do not prune until it has become established, which can take at least a few years.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Propagation from cuttings can be tricky and has a hit-or-miss success rate, so it is not recommended.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Beech scale is a common insect problem.
It can be prevented by taking good care of the tree and treated with a propionyl trunk injection.
How Long Does Tricolor Beech Bloom?
Tricolor beech blooms for about two months during the spring growing season.
What Do Tricolor Beech Flowers Look and Smell Like?
This tree is prized for its colorful foliage rather than its flowers.
During the spring flowering season, non-showy, yellowish-green male and female flowers appear on the same tree.
The flowers do not have a fragrance.
Deadheading blooms can also promote extra growth, but tricolor beech trees are slow growers.
For healthy growth, continue with the plant’s regular watering schedule.
This variety is a more manageable tree than the standard European beech, which usually grows to 60 feet.
Beech trees grow slowly and are known for their long lifespans, often up to 300 years.
These are two different names for same cultivar with variegated foliage.
Although it is often called tricolor beech, the ‘Tricolor’ cultivar differs.
It does not have the same variegation and is extremely rare.
NC State University Cooperative Extension.
Beech Trees Toxicity to Pets.
Fagus sylvatica European Beech.
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
Fagus sylvatica ‘Tricolor’.
Fagus sylvatica ‘Tricolor’.Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences.
