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Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree (Carpinus Betulus 'Fastigiata')

The Fastigiate Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata') is an elegant deciduous ornamental tree prized for its upright, columnar growth and dense green foliage. Ideal for formal gardens, avenues and structured landscapes, this attractive hornbeam brings height and natural definition to outdoor spaces. Its relatively narrow crown makes it a practical choice for gardens where vertical interest is desired without an excessively spreading canopy.

Medium Growth Rate
Yellow Flowers
Deciduous
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Planting Conditions: Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' grows well in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade for healthy growth and attractive foliage. It adapts to a range of soil types, including clay and loam, but avoid locations prone to prolonged waterlogging. Water regularly during dry periods, particularly while the tree is establishing its roots.
Growth Rate: Moderate, typically around 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) per year under suitable growing conditions. Its upright growth habit gradually develops into a tall, architectural tree.
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	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Plants Quantity

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Pallet Quantity

Select Size & Quantity

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Plants Quantity
	Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 12L 200/225cm	Regular price £47.19 Sale price £47.19 Regular price Unit price per
	Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 10L Girth 6/8	Regular price £36.30 Sale price £36.30 Regular price Unit price per
	Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 35L Girth 8/10	Regular price £223.85 Sale price £223.85 Regular price Unit price per

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Pallet Quantity
	Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 12L 200/225cm - 10 Trees	Regular price £424.71 Sale price £424.71 Regular price Unit price per
	Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 10L Girth 6/8 - 14 Trees	Regular price £457.38 Sale price £457.38 Regular price Unit price per
	Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 35L Girth 8/10 - 4 Trees	Regular price £805.86 Sale price £805.86 Regular price Unit price per

Fastigiate Hornbeam Ornamental Tree Description

The Fastigiate Hornbeam is a cultivated variety of the European hornbeam, Carpinus betulus, selected for its distinctive upright growth habit.

Often referred to as Carpinus betulus Fastigiata, this ornamental tree develops a narrow, columnar crown when young, making it well suited to formal planting schemes, avenues and gardens that benefit from a strong vertical feature.

As it matures, the crown can become broader and more oval-shaped. Under suitable conditions, the tree can reach approximately 10–15 metres in height, with a spread of around 4–6 metres.

Its eventual size makes it particularly suitable for larger gardens, landscaped grounds and avenues where a structured, long-term planting feature is desired.

The foliage consists of attractive, serrated, oval-shaped leaves that emerge green in spring and remain a rich green through summer.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow to golden shades before falling. As a deciduous tree, it offers seasonal variation while maintaining an attractive branching structure during winter.

In spring, the Fastigiate Hornbeam produces small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by clusters of winged, leafy bracts containing small nuts.

These add further botanical interest and provide a natural food source for wildlife.

One of the key attractions of this fastigiate hornbeam tree is its ability to introduce height and structure without the broad, spreading form of many traditional ornamental trees.

It can be planted as a standalone specimen, used to frame entrances or pathways, or incorporated into formal avenues and screening schemes.

With appropriate spacing and maintenance, it can also contribute to a tall, dense hedge.

Pruning Advice

Fastigiate Hornbeam generally requires limited pruning once established, particularly when grown as a specimen tree.

However, occasional maintenance helps preserve its shape, encourage healthy growth and remove unwanted branches.

The most suitable time for structural pruning is late summer to early autumn, when the tree is less prone to heavy sap bleeding.

Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches using clean, sharp pruning tools. Avoid removing large amounts of healthy growth at once, as excessive pruning can affect the tree's natural form.

If you are growing Carpinus betulus Fastigiata as a hedge or formal screen, light trimming can be carried out to maintain the desired outline.

Young trees may benefit from formative pruning to encourage a balanced framework of branches. Allow sufficient space for the crown to develop naturally if you want to retain its characteristic upright shape.

Regularly inspect the tree for damaged limbs and competing shoots. With sensible, occasional maintenance, the Fastigiate Hornbeam can retain its attractive architectural appearance for many years.

Further Information

Ornamental Value: The Fastigiate Hornbeam is valued for its upright form, dense canopy and seasonal foliage colour. It creates a strong vertical accent in formal gardens, landscaped grounds and entranceways.

Wildlife Support: Its spring flowers provide a source of pollen for insects, while its seeds can provide food for birds and other wildlife. The dense branching also offers shelter for garden wildlife.

Adaptability: This hardy ornamental hornbeam can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam and sandy soils, provided drainage is adequate. It tolerates full sun and partial shade and is suitable for a variety of UK garden settings.

Low Maintenance: Once established, Fastigiate Hornbeam is relatively straightforward to maintain. Occasional pruning, watering during prolonged dry spells and suitable planting conditions will help support healthy growth.

Garden Design: Its upright habit makes it useful for creating formal structure, framing views and adding height to planting schemes. It can be planted individually as a feature tree or in rows to create a more uniform avenue effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Fastigiate Hornbeam suitable for a small garden?

Fastigiate Hornbeam has a more upright growth habit than many spreading trees, making it useful where space is limited. However, mature trees can reach 10–15 metres tall and spread 4–6 metres, so consider its eventual size before planting in a small garden.

2. Does Fastigiate Hornbeam lose its leaves in winter?

Yes. Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' is deciduous, so its leaves turn yellow or golden in autumn before falling. Some dry, brown leaves may remain on younger branches during winter, particularly on sheltered trees.

3. How far apart should Fastigiate Hornbeam trees be planted?

Spacing depends on the intended use and the size of the trees at maturity. For an avenue or formal row, allow sufficient room for the crowns to develop without excessive competition. For a hedge or screen, closer spacing may be appropriate. Check the supplied plant size and seek planting advice before deciding on the final spacing.

4. Can Fastigiate Hornbeam grow in clay soil?

Yes. Fastigiate Hornbeam can grow in clay soil, provided it is not persistently waterlogged. Heavy clay that drains poorly may benefit from soil improvement or a more suitable planting position to support healthy root development.

5. Is Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' suitable for a formal avenue?

Yes. Its naturally upright growth and dense foliage make it a popular choice for formal avenues and symmetrical planting schemes. Planting several trees in a consistent row can create a structured appearance along driveways, pathways and landscaped grounds.

Delivery & Returns

We offer free delivery within 50 miles of our nursery, making it convenient to have your Fastigiate Hornbeam delivered directly to your property within our local delivery area. Delivery outside the 50-mile area may also be available depending on your location and order size.

If you are unsure whether your address falls within our local delivery area, please contact us before placing your order.

All plants are carefully prepared for safe transport and are covered by our 12 Month Guarantee On All Plants, subject to the relevant terms and conditions.

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With over 30+ years in the horticultural industry, Bannister Hall is an award winning UK plants nursery. We are trusted growers and online retailers of everything plants including topiary, trees, hedges, and shrubs, supplying outdoor plants nationwide to homeowners, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, local authorities, the NHS, landscaping designers, gardeners, contractors, and property developers. From our three privately owned British plants nurseries we offer specialist nationwide delivery of high quality plants at unbeatable prices. Our nurseries can be visited by everyone and you can also shop here online choosing from over 40,000 plant species. We are fully DEFRA compliant and approved by the national 'Plant Healthy Scheme'. Buy Hedges, Trees, Plants & Shrubs Direct Online with Free Delivery and 12 months plants guarantee- Tel. 0330 236 7330.