Carpinus japonica 'Chinese Lantern'
Japanese hornbeam 'Chinese Lantern'
A medium-sized deciduous tree with grey bark, brownish-grey on the younger branches and reaching a height of around 8-10m (27-33ft). The foliage in spring emerges red and matures in summer to bright green. In autumn it turns to bright yellow. The yellow-green, male and female catkins are produced separately on the same tree in April. After fertilisation, the female flowers develop into hop-like clusters in late summer to autumn, containing winged seeds that disperse on the wind when ripe
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drained, Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Unresolved
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
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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