I have access to a beech tree that is has the darkest most amazing foliage of any I have seen. My best bet at identifying it is Fagus Silvatica Spathiana or Spathei Beech.
I can find this tree at a few nurseries or mail order. The problem is, none have the foliage as dark as my friends specimen. Maybe that comes with age, but other mature varieties I have seen are not this dark.
If I wanted to propagate this tree, what would you recommend?
Does it need to be grafted to a beech seedling like apple trees are, and if so what root stock would I need and where would I get it?
Can it be rooted from cuttings and if so, will it support itself and mature into a full size tree?
I would think seeds would result in too much variation.
I have a mist system in my greenhouse with several cuttings already stuck. No roots at this time, but was wondering how commercial nurseries propagate beech varieties. I want to do this the correct way. It is a neat specimen and I would like to have several for years to come!
Thanks guys!