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Carpinus betulus – Common Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus, commonly known as Common Hornbeam, is a versatile and attractive deciduous tree ideal for hedging, screening, or as a standalone specimen. Native to Europe, it boasts a distinctive fluted grey bark and densely packed green foliage that turns rich yellow to orange in autumn.
This hardy tree is tolerant of a range of soils and urban conditions, making it a popular choice for both formal gardens and naturalistic planting schemes. It responds well to clipping, making it particularly suitable for structured hedging or pleaching.
Key Features
- Plant Type: Deciduous tree
- Height & Spread: Up to 12m tall, 8m spread
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, prefers fertile loam but tolerates clay and chalk
- Foliage: Deep green, ovate leaves with serrated edges, turning golden yellow in autumn
- Hardiness: Fully hardy (up to -20)
- Special Features: Excellent for hedging, architectural structure, pollution-tolerant
- Current plant size: 85cm
Garden Care
- Prune in late summer or winter to maintain shape if grown as a hedge
- Water young trees during dry spells
- Mulch annually to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
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