Rockhampton Red®

Carpinus betulus

Rockhampton Red is a form of the common Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus, named for its vibrant orange-red autumn leaf colours - most Hornbeams turn yellow in the autumn.

The best autumn leaf colour occurs in seasons when the September and October weather is warm and sunny but nights are cold. In mild overcast autumns the leaf colours will be muted.

The new spring leaves are also attractive - they are deeply ribbed, and an intense fresh green colour.

The tree bears pale green catkins in late spring, which turn into winged nuts.

Rockhampton Red hornbeam for sale

All our pot-grown trees are grown for us to our specification by the Frank P Matthews nursery.

All pot-grown trees are suitable for planting out in the garden, some are suitable for growing in containers.

2-year pot-grown tree £78.00
Grown for us by Frank P Matthews nursery
In a 12L pot
Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)

Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 24th February.

How to grow

Hornbeams do best on lighter well-drained soils with plenty of moisture, but will grow well in almost any soil. The one thing they cannot tolerate is standing water.

Rockhampton Red should be planted in full sun.

Hornbeams are somewhat similar to beech and can be used for similar purposes. Rockhampton Red can be lightly pruned in the summer and this will encourage the leaves to remain on the tree over the winter after turning brown, rather than falling. It can be hard-pruned at any time if necessary.

Hornbeam can easily be grown as a hedge, and Rockhampton Red is an excellent choice for this purpose, with the added bonus of the spectacular autumn colours. Plant anywhere from 40cm - 1m apart, and in good conditions the hedge could reach 5m or so. It is also a good choice if you want to try pleaching - in effect, a hedge with a length of clear stem before the foliage begins.

History

Rockhampton Red was discovered as a chance seedling at the Mount Pleasant Farm and Forestry nursery in Rockhampton, Gloucestershire.

Rockhampton Red characteristics

Gardening skillBeginner
Attractive featuresAttractive barkAutumn foliage colour
Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
SunlightPrefers full sun
PruningPrune hard
Growth rateAverage
Site conditionsOccasional flooding
Leaf colourGreen
Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Red
BarkGrey
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Annual cycleDeciduous

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 06-Nov-2023.

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Hornbeam
Rockhampton Red®