Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'
hornbeam 'Frans Fontaine'
Narrow, columnar deciduous tree, about 10m in height, with smooth, grey bark darkening with age. Bears fresh green leaves in spring and summer, which turn to a rich, golden-yellow in autumn, often holding the dead, brown leaves through winter, before shedding them in spring. This cultivar only produces male catkins which are green and appear in April
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drained, Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Gold Yellow | |||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Carpinus are deciduous shrubs and trees with attractive foliage and hop-like fruit clusters in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most soils after establishment including those which are dry or wet.
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring and early summer or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus
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