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Carpinus betulus 'Lucas'
  • RHS AGM

hornbeam 'Lucas'

Columnar deciduous tree about 8m in height when mature, broadening with age. Bright-green foliage in spring and summer, turns a rich golden yellow in autumn, the dead brown leaves are retained through winter. Produces green catkins in late spring and clusters of winged fruit later in the year

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained, Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to the UK
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

Pruning group 1

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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