Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' Upright European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus fastigiata

$760.00

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01 Choose your pot size

02 Your selection

Size: 100L

40cm/45L 100L

Current height guide: Please enquire
Pot size: 100L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

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.

03 How many trees?

Order multiple sizes

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Size / batch	Each	Quantity
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.8m – 2.5m	$280.00
100LApprox. height: Approx. 1.8m – 2.2m	$760.00

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

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About this tree

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.

Delivery & pickup

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

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Planting, roots & care

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.

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.

Trade enquiries

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

See more: Feature Trees

See more: Deciduous Trees

See more: Hedging & Screening

See more: Structured Row Planting/ Avenue Planting

See more: Quercus robur 'Fastigiata'

About Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’

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.

Foliage: Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
Position: Full Sun
Part Shade
Form: Columnar
Upright
Dense
Use: Feature Tree
Screening or Privacy
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Planting Information

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 30cm to 50cm 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.

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: 8m to 12m

Mature Width: 4m to 6m

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

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

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm 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?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Compare sizes

40cm/45L

Approx. 1.8m – 2.5m

100L

Approx. 1.8m – 2.2m

Photographs are not to scale. Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ is loved for its Carpinus betulus fastigiata

We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

Plant Your Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ – Upright European Hornbeam With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.