Carpinus betulus 'Rockhampton Red'
hornbeam [Rockhampton Red]
Deciduous tree, with grey bark and a densely branched crown about 15m (50ft) tall when mature. It bears bright green foliage that unusually for a hornbeam turns to fiery reds and oranges in autumn. It can often hold its dead, brown leaves through winter, shedding them in spring. Produces green catkins in late spring and clusters of winged fruit later in the year
Synonyms
Carpinus betulus 'Lochglow'Carpinus 'Rockhampton Red'
see moreCarpinus betulus 'Rockhampton'
Carpinus betulus 'Rockhampton Red'
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| 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 the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Carpinus are deciduous shrubs and trees with attractive foliage and hop-like fruit clusters in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most soils, as long as they are reasonably moist and well drained
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
- Hedging and screens
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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