Hornbeam Hedge

Carpinus betulus

Hornbeam grown and maintained as a clipped formal hedge; dense twiggy structure that holds coppery dead leaves through winter when sheared.

Sun
full sun to part shade
Water
moderate
Mature size
Maintained at hedge height × Maintained by shearing
Bloom
Inconspicuous catkins in spring.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–8

Care guide

Quick ID

Hornbeam (*Carpinus betulus*) maintained as a clipped formal hedge. Dense twiggy structure; holds tan winter leaves when sheared.

Sun & Site

Full sun to part shade; adaptable, well-drained soil; tolerates clay.

Pruning & Shaping

Shear in summer to keep the formal face; a late-winter trim encourages winter leaf retention. Tolerates hard renovation.

In my garden

S245 plants
SunFull sun
Soilsandy loam, fast percolation
Water sourceCulinary
Hardiness hereZone 7
45
Plants
Sep 2024
Planted · ~2 yrs
What I've done here
  • 2026-04-09Pre-emergent applied
backyard west6 plants
SunFull sun
Soilsandy loam, fast percolation
Water sourceCulinary
Hardiness hereZone 7
6
Plants
Sep 2024
Planted · ~2 yrs
What I've done here
  • 2026-04-20Mulched
  • 2026-04-09Pre-emergent applied
backyard west5 plants
SunFull sun
Soilsandy loam, fast percolation
Water sourceCulinary
Hardiness hereZone 7
5
Plants
Sep 2024
Planted · ~2 yrs
What I've done here
  • 2026-04-20Mulched
  • 2026-04-09Pre-emergent applied