Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica)
Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica) is a tree that can grow higher than 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica).
This plant has several common names including: Antarctic beech, nire or nirre.
This is a deciduous plant that takes more than 50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Antarctic beech, nire, nirre
Scientific name: Nothofagus antarctica
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Architectural
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica) – André Karwath aka Aka, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Other types of Nothofagus to consider:
See all Nothofagus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid pH.
Regarding drainage, Nothofagus antarctica likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Antarctic beech (Nothofagus antarctica) – hernan reyes, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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