Hornbeam
(Carpinus Betulus)

Hornbeam is known to be a semi-evergreen species, as it clings on to its leaves through wintertime, turning into deep autumnal colours. It also loves to showcase pretty, little green catkins in the late spring (through to autumn), which then turn into fruits which many species of wildlife love to enjoy. The name Hornbeam originally comes from an Old English saying, meaning hard tree, which is exactly what the Hornbeam is- resilient and durable.

It is the perfect formal feature for any garden and can easily be combine with other types of native hedging to add a bit of a mixture to your Hornbeam hedging is also compared with its similarities to the Beech plant, however, Hornbeam is that little bit different with its leaves having deeper veins and serrated edges.

Being a highly resilient plant, the Hornbeam tolerates many different and poor conditions like shade, clay, wet soils, and high winds. The hedge is generally easily maintained between 1 and 5m and sits at a growth rate of 20-40cm per annum. You can simply leave it on its own to bloom and blossom, but it is also possible to create a mixed hedging with other native species.

• Growth height: Average (20-40cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? No

It is rather simple to keep your Hornbeam hedge in shape and as neat as you want- just trim once a year in the late summer to ensure your plant will retain its Winter shades.

When should I plant Hornbeam hedging?

The best time to plant your Hornbeam hedge is from the middle of October through to November, but pot grown can be planted at any time of year (as long as the ground is not frozen and they are provided with plenty of water during dry spells).

How far apart do you plant Hornbeam plants?

The recommended density is 3 plants per metre, at around 30cm apart. If wanting the hedge to be stockproof, smaller plants should be planted at 20-25cm apart instead.

When planting much larger, taller plants with bigger root balls, ensure you leave a gap of around 50-60cm between each plant, instead.

How to plant your Hornbeam:

Begin by breaking up the soil in which your Hornbeam will be sitting. Dig a hole that is 4-5 times wider than the plant's root mass, and add a soil mix or some organic matter into the bottom of the hole. Place your Hornbeam into the hole and then carefully spread the roots out at the bottom. Fill in the hole with your soil mix, and then lightly press down the soil at the base, to secure the plant.

Water regularly throughout the first year of planting.