What soil does European hornbeam grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is European hornbeam hardy?

Hardy down to -27 °C (USDA zone 5, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should European hornbeam be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should European hornbeam be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 40 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 2.5 plants per metre.

When does European hornbeam flower?

Flowering: March–April, yellow, green.

How much water does European hornbeam need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does European hornbeam cost?

It sells for roughly €1.80 to €220 in local shops, depending on size.

European hornbeam

Carpinus betulus

European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a hedge plant. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -27 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €1.80.

Illustration of European hornbeam — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 clipped hedges can retain many brown leaves through winter. Water regularly while it establishes and trim annually to keep the hedge dense.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 4.5 m
Hardiness: down to -27 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–April, yellow, green

Group	Hedge
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 4.5 m
Ultimate size	15–20 m × 9–12 m
Hardiness	down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–April, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	Leaves
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €1.80

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-60 cm	approx. €7.80
80-100 cm	approx. €1.80
100-125 cm	approx. €40
150-175 cm	approx. €27
175-200 cm	approx. €27
size not stated	approx. €9 – €220

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Hedge plants Plants for screening Plants that give shade Plants with autumn colour

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

Compare with similar plants

European hornbeam vs Arborvitae European hornbeam vs Cherry laurel European hornbeam vs Common yew European hornbeam vs Leyland cypress European hornbeam vs Oval-leaved privet European hornbeam vs Photinia 'Red Robin' European hornbeam vs Red-tip photinia

Looks good next to it

Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei

Christmas rose

Helleborus niger

Winter mahonia

Mahonia × media