European hornbeam and Red-tip photinia 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.
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…
Photinia × fraseri 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub for hedges and specimens whose new shoots emerge bright red and mature to glossy dark green; trimming in spring and summer brings…
European hornbeam is deciduous, Red-tip photinia is evergreen.
European hornbeam is hardier: down to -27 °C, against -18 °C for Red-tip photinia.
European hornbeam also grows in shade, Red-tip photinia does not.
Red-tip photinia is cheaper: about €8.90 at the size usually planted, against about €28 for European hornbeam.
|
Feature
|
European hornbeam
|
Red-tip photinia
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 4.5 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–20 m × 9–12 m | 1–6 m × 1–4.5 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, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Flowering | March–April, yellow, green | April–May, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 80 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €28 | approx. €8.90 |
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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