European hornbeam and Leyland cypress 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…
× Cuprocyparis leylandii 8 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A very fast evergreen that gives you a tall, dense privacy hedge within a few years, but only choose it if you have the room and the time. It grows…
European hornbeam is deciduous, Leyland cypress is evergreen.
European hornbeam is hardier: down to -27 °C, against -23 °C for Leyland cypress.
European hornbeam tolerates drought better than Leyland cypress.
European hornbeam needs less care than Leyland cypress.
European hornbeam also grows in shade, Leyland cypress does not.
Leyland cypress is cheaper: about €13 at the size usually planted, against about €28 for European hornbeam.
|
Feature
|
European hornbeam
|
Leyland cypress
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 4.5 m | 8 m × 2.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–20 m × 9–12 m | 18–30 m × 3–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | 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 -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Flowering | March–April, yellow, green | no data |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | High |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 80 cm |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €28 | approx. €13 |
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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