Hornbeam Tree | Carpinus betulus
Staple of mixed, broadleaf woods
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Standard Bare Root Tree - 8/10cm Girth Trunk
200-250cm inc. roots on arrival
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Plant diary
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Hornbeam Tree
Carpinus betulus
- Often found in mixed, broadleaf woodlands throughout the UK, hornbeam trees make wonderful additions to any medium to large gardens.
- With their ribbed green foliage, fluted grey bark and charming springtime catkins, the hornbeam is also an excellent option for hedging and pleached trees.
- One of the main highlights of this tree is its autumn colour; from September onwards, the green leaves turn to stunning golden yellow and honeyed amber hues.
- Like beech trees, hornbeams retain their foliage even during winter (though it is still a deciduous tree). This offers brilliant shelter to a whole host of birds and small mammals.
- Did you know? During the Somme in WW1, at the Battle of Delville Wood, the eponymous woodland was completely wiped out during the conflict. Wiped out, that is, except for one tree. Improbably, a single hornbeam managed to remain standing, and now forms a central part of the war memorial situated near Longueval, in France.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Hornbeam Tree can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The Hornbeam Tree typically grows to a height of 15 to 20 metres, with a spread of 10 to 15 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Hornbeam Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Hornbeam Tree prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil, but is quite adaptable to most soil types including clay, loam, and chalk. It tolerates winter ground temperatures down to -10°C. Plant in a hole at least 50cm wide for best results.
How much watering does this plant need?
Hornbeam Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Hornbeam Tree is best pruned in late summer, trimming back by 10-15cm, if you wish it to retain its brown leaves through the winter.
How hardy is this plant?
The common hornbeam is exceptionally hardy, with an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it will survive temperatures below -20°C even in exposed upland locations in the UK.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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