Hornbeam Hedging Carpinus Betulus

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a native British deciduous hedge plant similar in appearance to green beech — both species hold their dead russet leaves all winter (marcescence), giving year-round visual interest. The key difference: hornbeam tolerates wet ground, clay, and exposed sites far better than beech, making it the right choice for many UK gardens.

Bare-root Hornbeam hedging

Bare-root hornbeam is the most economical option for hedges over 5 metres. Plants are lifted from the field while dormant and despatched without compost. We stock sizes from 40-60cm starter plants up to 125-150cm specimens for immediate hedge presence.

Standard spacing is 3 plants per metre for a dense single-row hedge, or 4-5 plants per metre staggered for tall wind-break screens.

New to hornbeam? Read the guide first

Our complete UK buyer's guide to hornbeam hedging covers why hornbeam outperforms beech in wet/heavy soil, planting season, spacing, pleaching, care, and exactly when to choose hornbeam over beech.

Bulk pricing & nationwide delivery

ScotPlants Direct is a working Scottish nursery offering volume discounts on bare-root hornbeam orders — the more you buy, the better the per-plant price. Bare-root season is November to April. Pre-order now to ensure delivery dates from early November.

Looking at other native species? Browse our full bare-root hedging range, or see related guides for beech and hawthorn hedging.