Even though the hornbeam is not a beech but a birch tree, it is similar to its namesake in many ways. However, it places fewer demands on the location and soil and also grows where beech trees do not thrive.
How do I plant a hornbeam correctly?
To plant a hornbeam, choose a sunny to shady location with slightly moist, nutrient-rich substrate. Plant bare-root or balled plants in autumn, container plants from October to May. Maintain a planting distance of 50 cm for hedges and at least 3 m for individual plants.
Which location does the hornbeam prefer?
Hornbeams have no special requirements for the location. They grow just as well in sunny locations as in shady areas. Because of their long roots, they can even be planted on slopes.
What should the substrate be like?
A slightly moist, nutrient-rich substrate is ideal. However, the hornbeam can also cope with nutrient-poor soils. The hornbeam can only tolerate waterlogging for a short time.
What planting distance should be maintained?
In a hornbeam hedge, the planting distance should be 50 centimeters. As a single plant, leave at least three meters apart.
How large the planting distance must be from the property line is regulated by the municipality and can be found out there.
When is the best time to plant?
Plant bare-root and ball hornbeams in autumn. You can plant hornbeams in containers from October to May. However, the ground must be frost-free.
How is the hornbeam planted correctly?
Dig a hole three times the size of the root ball. Loosen the soil and improve it with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) or horn shavings.
Insert the hornbeam and press the soil firmly. For larger trees you should use a plant support.
Water the tree well. When planted as a hedge, the hornbeam is cut immediately after planting.
Can the hornbeam be transplanted?
You can usually still transplant a younger hornbeam. With older trees, moving them becomes difficult or even impossible because of the long roots.
How is the hornbeam propagated?
The hornbeam is propagated via
- Sowing
- Cuttings
- Lowers
- offshoot
It takes a very long time to propagate a hornbeam. The quickest way to get new plants is to dig up cuttings.
When does the hornbeam bloom and when do the fruits ripen?
Flowering lasts from May to June. The female flowers are very inconspicuous. The male flowers are catkins similar to those of the birch.
The fruits ripen in September and October. These are small nuts that are approximately one centimeter long.
Which plants does the hornbeam get along well with?
In the wild, hornbeams can often be found under tall trees. They also grow well in the hedge together with birch, beech and other hedge plants.
Is the hornbeam hardy?
Hornbeams are hardy and can tolerate sub-zero temperatures down to minus 20 degrees and more. They don't need winter protection. However, it is recommended to lay down a layer of mulch to prevent the soil from drying out.
Tip
Hornbeams are very easy to care for. Only the cutting is time-consuming if you grow the trees as a hedge. Watering and fertilizing are no longer necessary for older trees.
