Hornbeam
Common Name: Hornbeam
Genus: Carpinus
Species: betulus
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Chalky/alkaline
Height: 2500cm
Spread: 2000cm
Time to plant seeds: October to November
Similar in appearance to beech, hornbeam makes a superb specimen tree or hedging plant. Grown as a tree, it has a pyramidal shape that later becomes more rounded. As a formal hedge it requires clipping once a year in mid- to late summer to keep it looking tidy. Although it is deciduous, it retains its coppery dead leaves throughout the winter so it remains an effective screen. Green catkins appear in spring and winged nuts develop in autumn.
Looks good with:
Galanthus nivalisPodophyllum peltatum
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