Copper beech is one of the most rewarding hedging plants for a British garden. Its leaves emerge a rich copper-purple in spring, deepen through summer, and turn a warm bronze in autumn. Unlike many deciduous hedges, copper beech holds onto its leaves through winter, giving you privacy and structure when you need it most. It also clips beautifully into formal or informal shapes. In the border, the copper-toned foliage makes a superb backdrop for late-flowering asters, whose pink, purple and blue daisies glow against the dark leaves. If you have a copper beech hedge, a little seasonal care will keep it dense, healthy and looking its best.
Spring is a time for gentle encouragement rather than hard pruning. Start by clearing weeds and debris from the base of the hedge. A clear 30cm strip around the base reduces competition for water and nutrients, and it also stops slugs and snails from sheltering there. Apply a 5–7cm layer of well-rotted organic matter as mulch, keeping it a few centimetres away from the trunks. This helps retain moisture through the warmer months.
If you planted bare-root beech in winter, check that the plants are firm in the soil. Water young hedges during prolonged dry spells – a deep soak once a week is far better than a daily sprinkle. For established hedges, watering is rarely necessary except in drought. In the border, spring is the ideal time to divide overgrown asters. Lift clumps, split them with two forks, and replant the healthy outer pieces. Add a handful of blood, fish and bone per square metre to give them a good start. Tall asters will benefit from a simple support of twiggy sticks pushed into the ground now, so they grow through it naturally.
Trim copper beech in late summer – aim for a final cut in August, once the current year's growth has slowed. Use sharp shears or a hedge trimmer to cut back the new growth to two or three leaves. Avoid trimming after early September, as any soft regrowth may not harden off before winter. The result is a crisp, tight surface that will hold its shape until next summer.
Keep the base clear of weeds throughout summer. Hand-weed or hoe lightly, taking care not to damage the shallow roots of the beech. If you have a young hedge, water it during prolonged dry spells. A good soak – about 10 litres per plant every seven to ten days – encourages deep roots. As summer turns to early autumn, your asters will begin to flower. Deadhead spent blooms to keep the display going, and water them in dry weather. The copper beech hedge provides a dark, dramatic background that makes the aster flowers sing. If you grow asters in a border next to the hedge, remember that beech roots can be greedy. Water and feed the asters separately to keep them thriving.
Autumn is when copper beech comes into its own. The leaves shift from deep purple to a glowing copper-bronze, and many will stay on the hedge until spring. This is a good time to tidy the border around the hedge. Cut back asters after they have finished flowering, but leave a few seedheads standing for the birds. You can also lift and divide asters now if you did not do it in spring.
Clear fallen leaves from the base of the hedge if they smother small plants, but don't be too tidy – a light scattering of beech leaves will break down and feed the soil. If you plan to plant a new copper beech hedge, bare-root plants can go in from November onwards, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Water them in well and mulch after planting. For existing hedges, check that ties and stakes are secure before winter winds arrive.
Copper beech holds its leaves through winter, offering valuable shelter for birds and a green-brown screen for you. Avoid trimming the hedge now; any cuts made in frosty weather can lead to dieback. Instead, walk around the hedge after storms and remove any broken branches with a clean cut. Check that the base is still clear of weeds and that mulch has not been washed away.
Winter is a good time to plan next year's border. Order aster divisions or new plants for spring. If you want to add more copper-toned foliage, consider companion plants such as heuchera or smoke bush, but keep them away from the greedy roots of the beech. For established asters, mark their positions so you don't accidentally dig them up when planting bare-root hedging. Feed the birds and enjoy the structure that copper beech provides on the dullest days.
Copper Aster shares practical, down-to-earth guidance on practical uk gardening with aster flowers, copper-toned foliage, and seasonal border care. for readers across the UK.
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