oriental hornbeam

Oriental hornbeam should be watered about once a week, or as needed to keep the soil lightly moist. In hot weather, the plant may require additional watering, so check soil moisture on a regular basis. Too much water can lead to root rot, so water moderately and allow the soil to become almost dry between waterings. Avoid wetting the foliage or letting the leaves stand in water. As the plant matures, watering requirements may vary. Be sure to observe your plant and adjust your watering schedule as needed.

Oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) grows best in areas of partial to full sun, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day being optimal. The tree can also thrive in areas with dappled or partial shade; however, growth may be slower than in full sun locations. It’s important to avoid any site where it is shaded for large parts of the day, as it could result in stunted or abnormal growth.

Oriental Hornbeam should be pruned aggressively in late spring or early summer, which encourages denser foliage and denser branching. Pruning can also be done in winter to control the size and shape of the tree. Pruning in the late autumn or winter is less desirable because it can stimulate new growth that will be damaged by cold temperatures. To maintain a good shape and size for an Oriental Hornbeam, it should be thinned by removing as much as 1/3 of the smaller branches each year. Larger branches can be pruned in early summer and late winter as needed. Pruning should be done judiciously to maintain the tree's natural shape.