Hornbeam Tree | Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'
Stunning upswept boughs
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Hornbeam Tree
Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'
- With its fabulous upswept branches, wonderful ribbed leaves and charming catkins, it's no wonder that 'Fastigiata' hornbeam holds such a deep place in our hearts.
- Over time, as the tree matures, it goes on to develop a more rounded, obovoid shape, a bit like a stick of candy floss (probably not worth trying to eat, though).
- Starting out a lovely mid-green colour in spring and summer, the foliage takes on buttery yellow and golden hues come the autumn months.
- Then there are the catkins; a little like lamb's tails, the yellow-green catkins are produced in abundance in April and May.
- A recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, 'Fastigiata' has been shown to perform well in British gardens.
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?
Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' reaches a mature height of roughly 15 metres with a narrow spread of 4 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?
Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' is incredibly hardy and can withstand temperatures colder than -20°C, holding an RHS hardiness rating of H7.
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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