Carpinus betulus is a native in the south of England, a medium sized tree, used for hedging (See Hedging), also Pleaching (see Pleached Trees). When used for hedging it holds onto it’s brown leaves through the Winter, similar to Beech hedging. More suited to wetter sites, also good for wildlife.
Carpinus betulus (Common Hornbeam)
Sold as Specimens with a clear stem, making a rounded head tree, or available as hedging (See Hedging).
Ultimate height 20m (65ft), spread 20m(65ft).
Carpinus betulus Columnaris
This tree grows very slowly and compactly. This cultivar is can be grown on a standard stem, or can be branched from the ground. ‘Columnaris’ remains narrower than the ‘Fastigiata’ cultivar, though the two are often confused. The leaves are a fresh green colour in the Spring and turn colour to golden yellow in the Autumn.
Ultimate height 7m (22ft), spread 4m(13ft).
Carpinus betulus Fastigiata (Fastigiate Hornbeam)
A form of the native hornbeam but with tightly spaced ascending branches, which gives it a columnar look when young, but spreading with age to give a pyramid shape. Suitable for all moist soils. Good Autumn tints of gold and yellow giving it further interest.
Ultimate height 7m (22ft), spread 5m(16ft).
Carpinus betulus Frans Fontaine
The narrowest of the Carpinus betulus varieties, considerably narrower than the above two varieties. Ideal for an avenue tree or for screening.
Ultimate height 15m (49ft), spread 3m(10ft).
Carpinus caroliniana ( Blue Beech)
A slow growing, small to medium sized species, a native of Missouri. Smooth grey trunk with green leaves, shades of yellow, orange and reds in the Autumn.
Ultimate height 6m (19ft), spread 4m(13ft).
Carpinus japonica (Japanese Hornbeam)
Can be grown as a bush or tree, leaves tinted red when young then turning to mid green, with a serrated edge, up to 12cm long and pointed at the tip. The seeds in clusters hanging like hops below the branches up to 10cm long. The Autumn colour is yellow.
Ultimate height 12m (42ft), spread 10m(32ft).
Planting Guide
For further details and pricing, please download our .PDF catalogue using the link below:-
Landford Catalogue 2019.pdf (.PDF file, 259 KB)