Carpinus betulus 'Orange Retz'PBR

RHS Plant Profile
hornbeam 'Orange Retz'
Trees

A small tree to around 6m high and wide with bronze-tinted, double-toothed leaves in spring that mature to a bright green in summer before turning vivid orange to red in autumn. Yellow male catkins and green female catkins are borne in spring followed by winged fruits later in the year

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
more than 50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Betulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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

Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1; If grown as a hedge, trim annually in late summer; see trimming hedges for further information

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus