Hornbeam Parasol Tree [Carpinus betulus] for Shade & Structure | Parasol Trees

For a nurturing start and ongoing care of your new plant, the RHS offers invaluable advice. Take a look through their useful information all about: Carpinus betulus 'Hornbeam'.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the UK’s leading gardening charity. Aiming to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.

These trees are sourced from various European growers to order. The parasol frame will be either bamboo or a metal.

The lifespan of the parasol frames can vary depending on the environmental conditions they are exposed to. Generally, a metal frame will be longer lasting, although a well-maintained bamboo parasol frame can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. As the bamboo frame naturally starts to deteriorate over time, you have a couple of options for maintenance: you can either remove the frames if the trees have matured enough to hold their shape independently, or you can replace sections with new bamboo. Replacement bamboo is readily available at local garden centres, making it easy to maintain your parasol trees.

As your tree matures, please ensure that any overly tight zip ties are removed or replaced as necessary to prevent them from cutting into the tree’s trunk or branches. The tree may also have a central thick bamboo cane to continue training the straight, clean stem.Again, please monitor these ties and remove or replace them as needed.

The trees arrive as individual units. Most of the trees are potted and ready for year-round planting. During the summer months, you'll always receive a potted tree that’s ready for planting. However, during the winter months (October to April), some trees, especially species like Hornbeam, may arrive as rootballs. This is because rootballs are often the best option at this time of year to ensure you get the best quality tree. If your tree arrives as a rootball, don’t worry! Simply leave the small hessian bag around the roots and plant it straight into the ground. The bag protects the tender roots and will naturally break down as the tree settles in.

As with any living goods, it's important to regularly monitor the health of your trees and adjust the frame, central cane or ties as necessary. Regular care, including pruning and watering, is essential to maintain the tree’s structure and health.

Living plants showcase a charming diversity, and it's normal to expect some variations. The appearance and fullness of your pleached trees may vary depending on the season and its maturity. The images serve as illustrations, and slight measurement differences may arise. The construction of the pleach frame is typically bamboo but can be wood or metal based on availability. We cannot guarantee absolute uniformity among plants, and availability may vary.