European hornbeam and Oval-leaved privet are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
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…
Ligustrum ovalifolium 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
An undemanding hedging shrub with glossy dark green leaves that thickens up quickly, grows in almost any soil and copes well with city air. It keeps…
European hornbeam is deciduous, Oval-leaved privet is semi-evergreen.
European hornbeam grows larger: 6 m × 4.5 m after ten years, against 3 m × 2 m for Oval-leaved privet (an estimate: sources differ).
European hornbeam is hardier: down to -27 °C, against -23 °C for Oval-leaved privet.
As a hedge, European hornbeam is cheaper: a running metre of plants of the same size (100–150 cm) costs about PLN 42 (3.5 plants), against about PLN 500 for Oval-leaved privet (4 plants).
European hornbeam is the better choice if the garden is cold or a frost pocket or price matters.
Oval-leaved privet is the better choice if space is tight.
|
Feature
|
European hornbeam
|
Oval-leaved privet
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 4.5 m (uncertain) | 3 m × 2 m (uncertain) |
| Ultimate size | 15–20 m × 9–12 m (uncertain) | 3–5 m × 2–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium (uncertain) | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Heat tolerance | Medium (uncertain) | Medium (uncertain) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | March–April, yellow, green | June–July, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planted as a hedge | 3.5 plants per running metre | 4 plants per running metre |
| For dogs | no data | Toxic |
| For cats | no data | Toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | about PLN 12 (100–150 cm) | about PLN 130 (100–150 cm) |
| Hedge price per running metre | about PLN 42 (100–150 cm) | about PLN 500 (100–150 cm) |
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 26, 2026
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