Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Carpinus betulus
Hornbeam is a well-known classic hedge. The flourishing leaves act as a dense barrier, which can provide great levels of privacy, security, noise and wind protection in your space.
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, full 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?
The best time, in general, to plant your hedging is during the autumn, but potted plants can be planted at any time of year if they get enough water, and the ground is not frozen.
How far apart do you plant?
Depending on the size of plant, you will need to place your hedging plants around 2ft apart. This does depend on how quickly you're looking for the hedge to establish, however, as we recommend up to 5 plants per metre for the smaller plant sizes.
How to plant:
Ensure the area is clear of other plants, weeds, and grass first.
Dig the holes or a trench for the plants, that's twice the width of the plant's base. When you are digging the hole, ensure you have churned it up at the bottom so the roots can settle easier. If you have a very sandy/hardy soil, then put in some loam-based compost. In terms of normal soil, you will need some controlled-release feed to give the planting a starting boost.
Once this is all done, you can put the plant in! Place it into the middle of the hole carefully and slowly, making sure the top of the roots are 1/2 inch below the soils surface. Refill the hole, then press gently around the edges to secure the soil.
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