About
Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' is a tall, columnar deciduous tree, reaching approximately 10 meters in height. Its bark is smooth and grey, darkening as it matures. In spring and summer, it showcases vibrant green foliage that transitions to a warm golden-yellow in autumn. Often, the tree retains its brown, dead leaves throughout winter, dropping them in the spring. This variety exclusively produces male catkins, which are green and emerge in April.
About the genus
Carpinus comprises deciduous shrubs and trees known for their appealing leaves and clusters of hop-like fruits that appear in late summer and autumn.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained, Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most soils after establishment including those which are dry or wet.
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring and early summer or grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus