Arborvitae and European hornbeam are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Thuja occidentalis 3.5 m × 1.2 m after 10 years
A dense evergreen with scale-like foliage, planted in its columnar and conical forms (such as fast Brabant or slim Columna) as a clipped hedge or…
Carpinus betulus 6 m × 4.5 m after 10 years
It makes a dense hedge that responds well to clipping, but grows into a large shade tree if left unpruned. The foliage turns yellow in autumn, and…
Arborvitae: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Arborvitae is evergreen, European hornbeam is deciduous.
Arborvitae is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -27 °C for European hornbeam.
European hornbeam tolerates drought better than Arborvitae.
European hornbeam needs less water than Arborvitae.
European hornbeam also grows in shade, Arborvitae does not.
European hornbeam is cheaper: about €7.80 at the size usually planted, against about €19 for Arborvitae.
|
Feature
|
Arborvitae
|
European hornbeam
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 1.2 m | 6 m × 4.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.5–20 m × 0.5–4.5 m | 15–20 m × 9–12 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Flowering | no data | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 70 cm | 40 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Toxic | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €19 | approx. €7.80 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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