Hornbeam Hedging 150/175cm Bare Root

Tall, Tough & Beautiful – A Native Hedge with Year-Round Appeal

These 150–175cm bare root Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) plants offer an impressive height at planting, perfect for those seeking quicker results in establishing a dense, attractive hedge. Hornbeam is a deciduous native species that keeps its russet leaves through winter in many sites, giving it strong seasonal screening value.

Unlike Beech, Hornbeam thrives in heavier soils, wet conditions, and exposed positions, making it a dependable choice where other hedging struggles. Its distinctive pleated leaves, subtle spring catkins, and refined branching habit make it as decorative as it is practical.

Key Features

• Supplied Height: 150–175cm tall (bare root, untrimmed)

• Foliage: Rich green in spring/summer, golden-bronze in autumn, often held through winter

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast – approx. 30–60cm per year

• Form: Upright, bushy, and naturally dense

• Thorns: None – safe for family gardens and along paths

Planting & Spacing

• Planting Season: November to March (dormant season)

• Spacing Guide:

  • 2–3 plants per metre (single row)

  • 5 per metre (double staggered row)

• Soil: Suitable for clay, chalk, loam, or damp ground

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Maintenance: Trim once or twice a year to encourage dense, formal shape

Why Choose This Size?

• Ideal for immediate impact – starts above head height

• Quicker to form a privacy barrier or windbreak

• Reduces weed competition and gaps during early establishment

Benefits of Hornbeam Hedges

• Native and wildlife-friendly – supports birds and insects

• Retains structure in winter – even when leaves drop

• Excellent for screening, shelter, and formal boundaries

• Resilient in exposed, cold, or poorly drained sites

• Beautiful and easy to maintain

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Bare root plants are generally cheaper than potted plants.
2. Variety: Greater selection of species available.
3. Establishment: Often establish quickly in the garden.

Cons:

1. Timing: Must be planted during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).
2. Initial Care: Require careful handling and timely planting.

Preparation for Planting:

1. Soak Roots: Immerse the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
2. Inspect: Trim any damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors.
3. Dig Hole: Ensure the hole is wide enough to spread roots out without bending them.
4. Consider Cutting back: Cutting back by up to 1/3, especially on taller plants will reduce possible losses and improve plant establishment.

Planting Process:

1. Plant Depth: Plant at the same depth they were grown in the nursery, indicated by the soil mark on the stem.
2. Fill Hole: Backfill with soil, ensuring no air pockets around the roots.
3. Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Possibility of Losses:

• Adjustment Period: Some plants may not survive the transition due to transplant shock or poor initial care.
• Mitigation: Proper planting techniques and aftercare, like regular watering and mulching, can reduce losses.

Aftercare Tips:

1. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.
2. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Protection: Protect young plants from extreme weather and pests.

Bare root planting is a straightforward, economical way to enhance your garden, provided you follow these essential steps to ensure successful establishment.

Full Guide to planting bare root can be found here

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Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.