Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' Upright European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: 1.9m – 2.8m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8–12 metres

Mature Width: 4–6 metres

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is expected to grow 30 – 50 cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

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About Your New Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', the Upright European Hornbeam, is a stately deciduous tree valued for its dense, symmetrical, and naturally upright form. Fine serrated green leaves create a lush compact canopy that turns rich yellow, gold, and copper in autumn before falling to reveal smooth grey bark.

Upright Hornbeam grows to 8-12 metres tall and 4-6 metres wide, forming a strong vertical accent ideal for formal and architectural landscapes. It also clips superbly, making it one of the best trees for tall formal hedges, pleached screens, and avenue planting.

Upright Hornbeam is hardy and adaptable, thriving in full sun to part shade in a wide range of well-drained soils. It is frost hardy, wind tolerant, and performs well in cool and temperate climates including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. It is low maintenance once established.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' Upright Hornbeam

How tall does Upright Hornbeam grow?

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' grows to 8-12 metres tall and 4-6 metres wide with a dense upright form.

How fast does Upright Hornbeam grow?

Upright Hornbeam has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.

Is Upright Hornbeam good for hedging?

Yes. Hornbeam is one of the best trees for tall formal hedges and pleached screens, holding a crisp dense wall of foliage and responding very well to clipping.

Is Upright Hornbeam deciduous?

Yes. Upright Hornbeam is deciduous, with foliage turning yellow, gold and copper in autumn. Clipped hedges often hold their autumn leaves through much of winter.

Is Upright Hornbeam suitable for narrow spaces?

Yes. The naturally narrow upright form makes it well suited to formal avenues, symmetrical rows, and vertical accents in structured gardens.

How far apart should I plant Upright Hornbeam for a hedge?

Plant 1-1.5 metres apart for a formal hedge or pleached screen, or 3-4 metres for an avenue.

Where in Australia does Upright Hornbeam grow best?

Upright Hornbeam performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Screening or Privacy
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam Evergreen or Deciduous?

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 8–12 metres

Mature Width: 4–6 metres

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is expected to grow 30 – 50 cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is expected to grow 30 – 50 cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

Is Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam frost tolerant?

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam Flower?

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ produces slender yellow-green catkins in spring, followed by attractive hop-like seed clusters through summer. While subtle, these seasonal structures add gentle interest and support early pollinating insects.

Does Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam an Australian Native Tree?

No

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is Native to Europe and western Asia, where Carpinus betulus grows naturally in mixed deciduous forests and hedgerows.

What is the Wildlife Value of Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam ?

Its dense, columnar canopy provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for small birds, while its catkins support early-season pollinators such as native bees and hoverflies. The textured bark and branching structure also foster insects that contribute to garden biodiversity.

How much Sunlight does Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam need?

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained ground unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and structure. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support its strong vertical form and overall health.

Is Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam Drought Tolerant?

Is Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs reliably with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods and maintains its dense, upright form even in low-water conditions.

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How To Plant Your Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun with good air movement and room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and a light dressing of aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, avoiding any low spot where water might pool.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is expected to grow 30 – 50 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch or pine bark over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk to avoid waterlogging at the base.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for psyllids or scale in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam in Different Soil

Carpinus betulus performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp and waterlogging is avoided.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent foliage colour.

pH: Neutral preferred. A light dressing of dolomite suits most conifers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ grow?
A: Typically 8–12 metres tall with a spread of 4–6 metres.

Q: Is it suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, its upright, narrow form makes it perfect for compact or formal gardens.

Q: Is it frost tolerant?
A: Yes, it’s highly frost hardy and ideal for cool to temperate regions.

Q: Can it be pruned into a hedge or screen?
A: Yes, it responds very well to pruning and can be maintained as a tall hedge.

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Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam