What soil does European hornbeam grow in?

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

Is European hornbeam hardy?

Hardy down to -27 °C (USDA zone 5, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should European hornbeam be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should European hornbeam be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 40 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 2.5 plants per metre.

When does European hornbeam flower?

Flowering: March–April, yellow, green.

How much water does European hornbeam need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does European hornbeam cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 1,900 to HUF 130,000 in local shops, depending on size.

European hornbeam

Carpinus betulus

European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a hedge plant. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -27 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about HUF 1,900.

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

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

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 clipped hedges can retain many brown leaves through winter. Water regularly while it establishes and trim annually to keep the hedge dense.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 4.5 m
Hardiness: down to -27 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–April, yellow, green

Group	Hedge
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 4.5 m
Ultimate size	15–20 m × 9–12 m
Hardiness	down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–April, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	Leaves
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 1,900

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
60-100 cm	approx. HUF 1,900
100-150 cm	approx. HUF 13,000
150-200 cm	approx. HUF 19,000
200-300 cm	approx. HUF 37,000
over 300 cm	approx. HUF 68,000
6/8 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 27,000
8/10 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 55,000
12/14 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 92,000
10/12 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 84,000
size not stated	approx. HUF 3,300 – HUF 37,000

Frequently asked questions

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

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Hedge plants Plants for screening Plants that give shade Native plants of the Carpathian Basin Plants with autumn colour

Compare with similar plants

European hornbeam vs Arborvitae European hornbeam vs Cherry laurel European hornbeam vs Common yew European hornbeam vs Leyland cypress European hornbeam vs Oval-leaved privet European hornbeam vs Photinia 'Red Robin' European hornbeam vs Red-tip photinia

Looks good next to it

Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei

Winter mahonia

Mahonia × media

Glaucous sedge

Carex flacca