Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris'
hornbeam 'Columnaris'
Small, columnar, deciduous tree, slow-growing to 8m tall, spire-like when young with densely-branched and leaved growth before maturing to form a more rounded crown. Its ribbed mid-green leaves turn yellow in autumn. Produces green catkins in late spring and clusters of winged fruit later in the year
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Yellow | Brown | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.