Hedges Direct 
Hornbeam Hedge Carpinus betulus
In stock
1. Select Your Root Type
Bare Roots
Soil-free and seasonal (Nov–Mar), great value for bulk planting in winter.
Root Balls
Larger plants with soil-wrapped roots—ideal for strong, mature growth in cold months.
Pot Grown
Available year-round with established roots, for flexible, reliable planting.
Instant Hedging
Ready-grown hedges for quick privacy and instant garden impact.
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Root Ball
From £24.99
2. Select Your Height
Quick
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Key Features
NATIVE
FAST GROWING
HAS BERRIES
Is Grazing Animal Friendly
Carpinus betulus Hedge Plants Description
Hornbeam (also known as Carpinus betulus, if you’re familiar with Latin) is a hardy, deciduous hedge that’s native to the UK. Its distinctive serrated-edged, oval-shaped leaves start out bright green before deepening to a richer green in summer, then turning golden-yellow to copper-brown in the autumn months. Like Beech, Hornbeam hedging keeps its withered leaves through the winter, offering year-round structure and colour — and that’s not the only similarity these plants share. In spring, these hedges come alive with small, yellow-green catkins, which are wind-pollinated and provide a crucial food source for bees.
Known for its tough, adaptable nature, Hornbeam thrives in poor or heavy clay soils where other hedges might struggle. Its dense growth makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screening while also offering protection from both wind and noise. A Carpinus betulus hedge responds well to pruning — making it easy to shape into a formal or informal hedge — and with a fast-growth rate of around 30-50cm per year, it quickly forms a thick, leafy barrier around any outdoor space.
Our bare root and root ball Hornbeam hedge plants are available from November to March, with pot-grown and instant hedging options for sale all year round if you’re looking to make an immediate impact.* To learn more in our hedging root types guide.
If you’re not sure how many plants to order for a full, healthy hedge, our planting density guide will help you get started.
*Bare-root and root-ball stock are subject to availability and may change, but are generally available from autumn through to spring.
Vital Plant Information
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Plant Guarantee
Hedges Direct always supplies quality plants, however we know that sometimes plants have a mind of their own. With the Hedges Direct Green Guarantee, we've got you covered. Our 12-month guarantee is our 100% promise to you, that you can buy with complete confidence, that if any plants fail within 12 months, we will replace them when the guarantee conditions are met.
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Step 1
Root Grow & Fertiliser
Ensure you buy root grow and fertiliser with your plants at the time of purchase
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Step 2
Prepare Your Planting Area
Make sure your planting area is in good condition and suitable for planting
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Step 3
Plant & Feed
Plant with root grow & the second feed. Support plants if necessary. Water regularly
Pruning Advice
Hornbeam is similar to Beech in its pruning needs and should be trimmed once annually in late summer. This not only helps maintain its structure but also ensures it keeps its autumn leaves though winter, giving your garden privacy and colour.
Carry out usual maintenance pruning to remove dead, diseased, or dying wood and try to stay clear of touching any new growth.