Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris'

RHS Plant Profile
hornbeam 'Columnaris'
hornbeam 'Columnaris' RHS
Trees

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
more than 50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 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
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–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
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

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