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Hornbeam (carpinus betulus)
£1.08
- Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerant to -20°C or lower; native species, highly adaptable to British climates including exposed and urban sites.
- Site: Full sun to deep shade; tolerates exposed, windy positions; excellent for hedges, screens, windbreaks, or specimen trees; allow space for mature size (up to 20–30m tall if unpruned).
- Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained, fertile clay or heavy loam; tolerates chalk, sand, acid to alkaline pH; copes with wet or periodically waterlogged conditions but avoid very dry soils.
- Planting time: Bare-root November to March (dormant season); container-grown ideally autumn or spring; for hedges, space 30–45cm apart (3 plants per metre) in single or as a staggered double row (5 plants per metre) .
- Planting method: Dig a wide hole or trench (twice root width); incorporate organic matter in poor soils; plant at the same depth as was growing in the nursery (soil mark on stem); firm well, mulch base, and water thoroughly; stake single trees if needed.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first 1–2 years, especially in dry periods; once established, highly tolerant of wet and moderate drought.
- Maintenance: Low for trees (minimal pruning); for hedges, trim annually in late summer/autumn to maintain density; retains dead leaves in winter for screening; no regular feeding needed.