Carpinus betulus 2L

Choosing the Ideal Site and Preparing the Soil

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as the common hornbeam, is a hardy, deciduous tree valued for its elegant form, dense foliage, and versatility in hedging or specimen planting. It thrives in a range of conditions and provides excellent structure throughout the year, even holding onto some leaves in winter for privacy. Proper site selection and soil preparation are essential for successful establishment.

• Light Requirements: Hornbeam grows well in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates shade better than many deciduous trees, making it suitable for varied garden settings.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, well-drained, but moisture-retentive soil. It thrives in loam or clay soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

• Tolerance: Highly adaptable and tolerant of urban pollution, wind, and cold. It performs well in exposed sites once established.

• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Remove stones and weeds, and work in organic matter such as compost or leaf mould to improve texture and fertility.

• Drainage Considerations: Though it enjoys consistent moisture, hornbeam does not like waterlogged soil. Improve drainage with grit or sand if necessary.

• Site Planning: For hedging, mark a straight line and allow 30–45 cm between plants. For individual trees, space at least 3–5 metres apart to allow full crown development.

Planting Your Carpinus betulus

Planting at the correct time and depth ensures healthy establishment and encourages strong root growth. Hornbeam can be planted as a bare-root, root-balled, or container-grown tree depending on the season.

• Best Planting Time: Plant between late autumn and early spring, when the tree is dormant. Avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged soil.

• Hole Dimensions: Dig a hole slightly wider than the root spread and deep enough so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.

• Positioning the Tree: Place the tree centrally in the hole, ensuring it stands upright. For bare-root plants, gently spread out the roots in all directions.

• Backfilling: Refill with the excavated soil mixed with compost. Firm gently but avoid compacting the soil too tightly, which can restrict air and water movement.

• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Continue watering weekly during dry spells for the first two growing seasons.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

• Staking: Young trees benefit from a single stake placed on the windward side, secured loosely with a tree tie. Remove the stake after one or two years once the roots have anchored.

Aftercare and Ongoing Maintenance

Hornbeam requires minimal attention once established but benefits from regular care in the early years. With correct pruning and feeding, it will grow into a healthy, long-lived tree or dense, attractive hedge.

• Watering Maintenance: During the first few years, water during dry periods, particularly in summer. Mature trees are moderately drought-tolerant.

• Feeding: In early spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser or organic compost around the base to promote healthy foliage and root development.

• Pruning for Shape: For hedging, trim twice a year—once in midsummer and again in late winter. For specimen trees, remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in winter when dormant.

• Formative Training: For hedges, prune lightly after planting to encourage branching from the base. Repeat annually to maintain density.

• Weed Control: Keep the base clear of grass and weeds for the first few years, as competition can reduce growth.

• Winter Hardiness: Hornbeam is fully hardy and withstands frost and wind. However, young trees benefit from a winter mulch to protect roots.

• Long-Term Growth: With care, Carpinus betulus can live for over a century, providing structure, shade, and year-round interest in gardens and landscapes.

When properly planted and maintained, Carpinus betulus rewards with strong growth, elegant form, and enduring resilience—making it a reliable choice for hedging, screening, or ornamental planting in both formal and natural garden settings

• Size
  2L, square pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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