About
Carpinus japonica 'Chinese Lantern' is a medium-sized deciduous tree characterized by its grey bark, with younger branches exhibiting a brownish-grey hue. It typically grows to a height of 8-10 meters (27-33 feet). In spring, the leaves unfurl in a reddish hue, transitioning to a vibrant green by summer, before shifting to a bright yellow in autumn. This species produces separate male and female catkins on the same tree, which appear in April. Following fertilization, the female catkins develop into clusters reminiscent of hops by late summer to autumn, containing winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind once they are mature.
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, Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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