Hornbeam Hedging 100/120cm Bare Root

Hardy, Deciduous Hedging with Classic Form and Seasonal Character

This 100–120cm bare root Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) offers a substantial start to your hedge with well-formed young plants ready to establish quickly. Its attractive pleated foliage, strong winter silhouette, and excellent trimming tolerance make it a long-standing favourite for formal or native-style hedging.

Hornbeam retains its brown winter leaves in sheltered spots, providing year-round screening, while bursting into fresh green leaf come spring. It thrives in heavy clay, exposed sites, or wet ground—making it a reliable alternative to beech in tougher locations.

Key Features

• Supplied Height: 100–120cm tall (bare root, untrimmed)

• Foliage: Green, pleated leaves turning golden-bronze in autumn

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

• Ultimate Height: Up to 5m+ (can be trimmed to size)

• Form: Upright, bushy, and densely branching

• Thorns: None – safe for family gardens and public spaces

Planting & Spacing

• Best Planting Time: November to March (while dormant)

• Spacing Recommendations:

  • 3 plants per metre (single row)

  • 5 plants per metre (double staggered row)

• Soil: Tolerates clay, chalk, loam, and wet soils

• Position: Full sun to part shade

• Maintenance: Trim once or twice annually to maintain shape and density

Why Choose This Size?

• Instant visual structure – plants are already well above knee height

• Faster establishment and shading of weeds

• More cost-effective than larger root balls for medium-height hedging

Benefits of Hornbeam Hedges

• Deciduous but screens well in winter – holds brown leaves for longer

• Native British species – excellent for wildlife and biodiversity

• Tolerant of poor drainage and exposed sites

• Neat and formal – responds exceptionally to shaping and regular pruning

• Low maintenance and long-lived

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.