European hornbeam vs Photinia 'Red Robin'

European hornbeam and Photinia 'Red Robin' 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.

European hornbeam

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…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

Shade

from about PLN 2

Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' 3 m × 2 m after 10 years

Glossy evergreen leaves and bright red new shoots make this a colourful hedge or a striking standalone shrub. Give it sun or partial shade, shelter…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

from about PLN 15

Key differences

European hornbeam is deciduous, Photinia 'Red Robin' is evergreen.
European hornbeam grows larger: 6 m × 4.5 m after ten years, against 3 m × 2 m for Photinia 'Red Robin' (an estimate: sources differ).
European hornbeam is hardier: down to -27 °C, against -18 °C for Photinia 'Red Robin'.
European hornbeam also grows in shade, Photinia 'Red Robin' does not.
European hornbeam has pollen that can cause allergies, Photinia 'Red Robin' does not.
As a hedge, European hornbeam is cheaper: a running metre of plants of the same size (40–60 cm) costs about PLN 21 (3.5 plants), against about PLN 50 for Photinia 'Red Robin' (2.5 plants).

Which one to choose?

European hornbeam is the better choice if the garden is cold or a frost pocket, the spot is shady or price matters.

Photinia 'Red Robin' is the better choice if it must screen in winter too, space is tight or someone in the family has a pollen allergy.

Watch out for

Photinia 'Red Robin'

In Central Europe, severe frost, winter drying and late frosts can damage foliage and young shoots; it is not a reliable choice where winter minima reach -20 to -25 °C. Entomosporium leaf spot can cause substantial defoliation in humid, poorly ventilated planting. Waterlogging can damage roots, and strongly calcareous soil may cause nutrient-deficiency yellowing.

The data side by side

Feature	European hornbeam	Photinia 'Red Robin'
Group	Hedge	Hedge
Size after 10 years	6 m × 4.5 m (uncertain)	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	15–20 m × 9–12 m (uncertain)	3–5 m × 3–5 m (uncertain)
Growth rate	Medium (uncertain)	Fast
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade	Full sun, Part shade
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Hardiness	down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7)	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Heat tolerance	Medium (uncertain)	no data
Foliage	Deciduous	Evergreen
Flowering	March–April, yellow, green	May–June, white
Water need	Medium	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium	Medium
Maintenance	Medium	Medium
Planted as a hedge	3.5 plants per running metre	2.5 plants per running metre
For dogs	no data	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	no data	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	about PLN 6 (40–60 cm)	about PLN 20 (40–60 cm)
Hedge price per running metre	about PLN 21 (40–60 cm)	about PLN 50 (40–60 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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