Folio № 14 of 36

European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus

DeciduousBroadleafFull sun to partial shade

Deciduous broadleaf with fine twigs and excellent leaf reduction; strong apical dominance.

Zone 8b notesWatch for spider mites (Jul-Aug); Prevent rot in wet Nov-Jan
European Hornbeam botanical plate
Carpinus betulusPlate XIV · Mossy Spot Herbarium

The year, as this species lives it

Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.

Late DormancyEarly SpringMid SpringLate SpringEarly SummerMid SummerLate SummerEarly FallMid FallLate FallEarly WinterMid WinterLate Winterthe yearOF A EUROPEAN HORNBEAM

Late Summer · Aug 11 – Aug 31 · happening now

  • WateringReduce watering slightly as growth slows.
  • FertilizationFinal seasonal feeding; phosphorus-rich.
  • DevelopmentAllow growth to harden.

click another arc to travel the year →

All thirteen phases, side by side →

The care sheet

The constants — what stays true in every season.

Placement

Full sun to partial shade

Protect from intense sun in summer to avoid leaf scorch.

Watering

Moderate

Keep evenly moist; sensitive to dry spells.

Feeding

Balanced

Feed biweekly during growing season for best growth.

Pruning

Structural in spring, maintenance summer

Hard prune just before bud break; responds well.

Wiring

Spring or Autumn

Wire young shoots; mature wood hardens quickly.

Repotting

Every 2-3 years

Repot in early spring; reduce roots moderately.

Propagation

Cuttings or seed

Air layer old branches; cuttings root slowly.

Winter

Hardy; mulching pot base helps in freezing climates.

Summer

Provide mulch or moss to reduce surface heat.

← Previous folioWestern Hemlockfolio 14 of 36 · back to the libraryNext folio →Dwarf Jade

Paths onward

CollectionThe GardenEvery bench, by species or by rank.The yearFull seasonal calendarEuropean Hornbeam’s thirteen phases, side by side.TodayThe AlmanacLate Summer is underway — see what the garden asks now.
Mossy Spot · PNW · Zone 8bgrow slowly
Mossy Spot❧The Species Library❧European Hornbeam
63° Clear · Late Summer
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