Carpinus betulus Fastigiata – Pyramid (Common Hornbeam)

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’, is such an understated tree. It is a selected form of the classic Hornbeam that when young naturally develops a slender upright shape which rounds out to a beautiful fat teardrop as the tree matures. It is absolutely hardy and adaptable, perfect for avenues and boundaries both in summer and in winter when the bare branches are beautifully and strongly upright. It could reach 12m in height.

Good for formal planting - avenues, rows and matrices (plural of matrix). You'll spot these in urban planting because of the shape whether in the summer or the winter but they're probably most frequently noticed in the autumn when they go a uniform yellow all over. They really stand out in the autumn. Any old soil but they need space to show off their shape.

The name Hornbeam is derived from the fact the timber is exceptionally hard and hard wearing. Traditionally, it was used for the replaceable teeth on timber cog wheels used in wind and water mills. Many years ago, our Founder was a cabinet maker and used to buy timber from Agates in Horsham. He once asked Wally (the mill foreman) what this little known timber called Hornbeam was like. He gave the memorable and accurate reply : "It's like f***in' 'ard beech mate".

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ pyramids. As the name suggests, these specimens are clipped into slender pyramidal shapes. Large scale and excellent for framing entrances and pathways. As a deciduous topiary piece it will give you structure and drama all year.The light green foliage takes on lovely yellow autumnal colours, sometimes falling, other times staying dead and brown on the trees until the new spring growth pushes through.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate around the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.