The European Beech Bonsai Tree, scientific name Fagus sylvatica, is native to Europe.
The natural range extends from southern Sweden to central Italy, west to France, southern England, northern Portugal, and central Spain, and east to northwest Turkey.
This is a hardy tree that should be grown outdoors. The ability to take radical pruning makes this tree perfect for bonsai.
Additional Information
Family: Fagaceae
Scientific name: Fagus sylvatica
Common Names: Beech Tree, European Beech, Common Beech Tree.
Origin: Native to Europe.
Appearance: It is a deciduous tree with a smooth gray trunk and erect branches covered with simple, wavy, oval leaves. Leaves turn tan during fall months and remain on the tree until the spring, adding to the tree’s seasonal interest. It has brown, slender, long, pointed, buds like rolled cigars.
Flowering: Older trees produce small catkins which appear shortly after the leaves in spring.
Outdoor/Indoor Use: Outdoor.
Light Requirements: It grows well in full sun or partial shade. Protected it from the hot summer sun.
Water Requirements: Requires daily watering during the growing season. Needs less water during winter months. Make sure the soil never dries out completely.
Pruning/Training: In early summer pinch shoots back to two nodes. I recommend shaping it by pruning when possible. If you are applying wiring, do it during the summer months. After a few months carefully remove the wires. Never remove all the leaves during the growing season. Also, avoid leaf pruning after reporting the bonsai.
Bonsai Style: Twin-trunk, triple-trunk, curved, straight, clump, group, raft.
Fertilizing: Feed it with well-balanced fertilizer one month after the buds open. Apply fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.
Repotting: Should be repotted every two to five years depending on root growth and age. Repot during spring before leaves open.
Hardiness: This bonsai should be protected from freezing temperatures. Grows well in USDA Zone 4-7.
Insects and Diseases: Usually healthy but can be troubled by fungi, leaf scorch, borers, and scales.
Propagation: By seeds, grafting, and cuttings.
