- Common name: Hornbeam
- Genus: Carpinus
- Family: Betulaceae
- Species: Carpinus orientalis
- Skill level: Beginner to advanced
- Foliage: Alternate serrated leaves turn bright orange/yellow in autumn. Leaf size becomes smaller following dense ramification.
- Bark: Pale grey.
- Flower and fruit:
Wind-pollinated flowers produce pendulous catkins in spring. The male and female flowers are on separate catkins, but on the same tree. The fruit is a small nut about 3–6 mm long. - Soil type: Medium rich, but well draining, with 30-40% fine gravel added to the mix
Husbandry
Propagating
Through cuttings or seed.
Air layering
Apply layers in early spring. It is sometimes best to wait two years before detaching the layer in order to gain strong rooting.
Watering
Don't let it dry out during the growing season. In winter keep it moist but do be careful not to have the roots too wet.
Repotting
Repot young trees every two to three years. Older trees three to four years, but as an indication check if roots pop out underneath the drainage holes and whether the soil still takes up the water. A well-draining soil type with small particles helps to develop a finer root system.
Wiring
Young shoots can be wired loosely Guy wires with protective rubber bands is effective for older branches. Always use aluminium wire.
Styles
