Short description

Hornbeam Native to UK and Europe the Hornbeam is a medium to large sized tree which is also very useful as a hedging plant. As a tree it will reach up to 20 metres and is deciduous producing hop like seeds in the autumn. As a formal hedge which is regularly trimmed it can be kept to 1.5 metres and the young annual growth will retain the brown autumn leaves throughout winter. Can plant in any soils can tolerate some wet conditions. Care of Topiary other shapes Trim annually with topiary shears or hedge-cutters in early or late summer to keep specimen in shape. Faster growing species may need to be trimmed twice or more each season. Suckers and unwanted branches can also be removed from the stems of standards. Existing specimens should be trimmed once or twice a year to maintain their shape, vigorous species may require more. Fertiliser such as Growmore can be applied once a year in the spring if desired, to help maintain the plant's vigour and appearance. Mulch with bark or organic matter if the plant is not surrounded by ornamental gravel. Topiary can be grown in pots or containers but you need to make sure the pot is big enough for the specimen, and is well weighted to prevent it from falling over if the container has dried out or there are high winds. The compost will need to be refreshed every 2 to 3 years. Topiary can suffer from Pests & Diseases. Look out for any tell-tale signs such as damaged leaves, adult moths, caterpillars, sooty moulds etc., and treat appropriately.