What soil does Fastigiate hornbeam grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Fastigiate hornbeam hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Fastigiate hornbeam be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Fastigiate hornbeam be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 2 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 1 plants per metre.

When does Fastigiate hornbeam flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow, green.

How much water does Fastigiate hornbeam need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Fastigiate hornbeam cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 27,000 to HUF 130,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Fastigiate hornbeam

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'

Fastigiate hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata') is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about HUF 27,000.

Illustration of Fastigiate hornbeam — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A dense hornbeam with upswept branches that is a slim column when young, which makes it a good vertical accent in a border and, planted in a row, a tall closed screen. Be aware that it does not stay a column: after ten to fifteen years it starts to broaden and in age forms an egg-shaped crown several metres wide, so either give it room or clip it yearly, which it takes very well. It is not fussy about soil, grows in sun or part shade and turns yellow in autumn.

Watch out for

In Central Europe the leaves of newly planted trees and of trees hemmed in by paving scorch and drop early in hot, dry summers, so water regularly in the first years. The dense, narrow-angled branches can splay and split under wet snow or freezing rain. Canker and stem dieback occur on weakened trees.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow, green

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	9–18 m × 4–9 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about HUF 27,000

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
200-250 cm	approx. HUF 37,000
250-300 cm	approx. HUF 41,000
300 cm	approx. HUF 39,000
300-350 cm	approx. HUF 97,000
6/8 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 27,000
8/10 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 35,000
12/14 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 130,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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