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 is hardier: down to -27 °C, against -23 °C for Oval-leaved privet.
Oval-leaved privet is cheaper: about €7 at the size usually planted, against about €28 for European hornbeam.
|
Feature
|
European hornbeam
|
Oval-leaved privet
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 4.5 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–20 m × 9–12 m | 3–5 m × 2–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | 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) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | March–April, yellow, green | June–July, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 35 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Toxic |
| For cats | no data | Toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €28 | approx. €7 |
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
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details