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Carpinus betulus (common hornbeam)

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in nurturing the Carpinus betulus, known colloquially as the common hornbeam or European hornbeam. This distinguished species presents a lush canopy of ovate, ribbed leaves, accompanied by modest green flowers. Its resilience and adaptability make it a preferred choice for hedges and pleached trees across its native range from Europe to Iran. The hornbeam's stately form and ability to withstand frequent pruning render it an exemplary addition to structured gardens and formal landscapes.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
40-60 cm per year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £1.50

750+ £1.40

1,000+ £1.40

1,250+ £1.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
40-60

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £8.25

50+ £7.85

100+ £7.65

200+ £7.45

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £2.00

500+ £1.90

750+ £1.85

1,000+ £1.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £9.25

50+ £8.80

100+ £8.55

200+ £8.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £2.65

250+ £2.50

500+ £2.45

750+ £2.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £11.95

50+ £11.35

100+ £11.05

200+ £10.75

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
4

10.75

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £4.30

100+ £4.05

250+ £3.95

500+ £3.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £21.20

50+ £20.15

100+ £19.60

200+ £19.05

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
4

19.05

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £5.40

50+ £5.10

100+ £4.95

250+ £4.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £28.25

50+ £26.85

100+ £26.15

200+ £25.45

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
3

25.45

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £7.65

50+ £7.25

100+ £7.05

250+ £6.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
4

2+ £32.10

25+ £30.50

50+ £29.70

100+ £28.90

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
3

28.90

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £11.25

50+ £10.65

100+ £10.40

250+ £10.10

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
4

10.10

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Carpinus betulus (common hornbeam)

The Carpinus betulus, also known as the common hornbeam, is a deciduous plant native to Europe and extending into Iran. Admired for its versatility, the plant can be cultivated as a hedge, block hedge, or a solitary tree.

With its lush green foliage that turns a striking yellow in the fall, the European hornbeam is a favorite for creating structured landscapes and offering seasonal interest.

Key Features

The Carpinus betulus boasts several key features that make it an outstanding choice for gardeners:

The plant exhibits a robust growth rate of 40 to 60 centimeters annually, allowing it to quickly form a dense hedge.
The European hornbeam is well-suited to a variety of locations, thriving in full sun, partial shade, or shade.
It endures winter temperatures down to -26.1°C to -28.8°C, fitting within USDA zone 5a.
The green flowers that appear in April and May are subtle yet add to the plant's charm during the spring season.
Its foliage offers a visual density that quickly obscures views, providing excellent privacy.
Though deciduous, its leaves transition through a beautiful range of colors as the seasons change, maintaining visual interest throughout the year.

Tips

Plant your Carpinus betulus with a bare root during the dormant season for best results. Ensure the soil is well-drained to support healthy growth.
Pruning is only necessary twice a year to maintain the desired shape and density of the hedge. However, the plant can also be left to grow naturally with minimal maintenance.
If you wish to propagate the common hornbeam, opt for softwood cuttings in the spring or early summer, or try grafting for combining desirable traits.

Ideal placement of a Hornbeam

The hornbeam adapts well to various lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and even to shaded areas, although its growth may be less vigorous in less light. It thrives in all soil types, provided they are well-drained. The species is robust, tolerating a range of climates as evidenced by its wide distribution from Europe to Iran, and it displays impressive winter hardiness down to USDA zone 5a. For optimal development, ensure the soil is fertile and retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Planting a Hornbeam

When planting Carpinus betulus, it is important to choose a site that can range from full sun to shade, accommodating its adaptability. The species thrives in all well-drained soil types. As a bare-root plant, the best planting time is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen. Create a planting hole wide and deep enough to comfortably fit the root system. Once planted, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and remove air pockets. This initial care promotes a strong foundation, ensuring vigorous growth and the development of a robust hedge or solitary specimen.

Pruning a Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus is forgiving when it comes to pruning and often thrives without excessive intervention. To preserve the plant's dense and orderly appearance, especially when shaped as a hedge, it's advisable to prune twice annually. The first pruning should occur in late spring after the initial flush of growth, ensuring the hedge remains neat throughout the summer. A second, lighter trim in late summer will help maintain its shape into the winter. Pruning should be done conservatively, focusing on shaping rather than heavy cutting back, to support its natural growth habit and visual density.

Watering a Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus thrives with consistent moisture, especially in the growing season. While it can cope with a range of soil types, ensuring well-drained conditions will prevent waterlogging, which is detrimental to its health. During periods of dry weather or drought, it is important to water the plants deeply. This is particularly crucial for young hedges to promote robust root growth. Mature specimens have better drought tolerance but will benefit from watering during extended dry spells to maintain foliage vibrancy and overall vigor. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to minimize leaf wetness and evaporation losses.

Fertilising a Hornbeam

To ensure a robust and vibrant Carpinus betulus hedge, fertilizing is a pivotal part of its maintenance. It is recommended to fertilize in early spring, before the onset of the growing season, and again in mid-summer to support its swift growth rate. An all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer is ideal, as it provides a steady supply of nutrients. When applying fertilizer, distribute evenly around the base of the hedge, taking care to avoid direct contact with the trunk to prevent any potential damage. Water thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots. This practice not only encourages dense foliage but also fortifies the plant against harsh winter conditions, particularly in areas within USDA zone 5a where it displays considerable winter hardiness.

The characteristics of a Hornbeam

An often overlooked aspect of Carpinus betulus is its adaptability in creating structured landscapes. The species is particularly well-suited for crafting hornbeam hedges, which are prized for their dense foliage and classic appearance. These hedges provide not only privacy but also serve as windbreaks and sound barriers, all while maintaining year-round interest. With proper care and regular pruning, they can become a stunning feature of any garden design.

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