CARPINUS BETULUS FRANS FONTAINE / FRANS FONTAINE HORNBEAM

CARPINUS BETULUS FRANS FONTAINE / FRANS FONTAINE HORNBEAM

Compact, Upright Form with Stunning Seasonal Color

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine', also known as Frans Fontaine Hornbeam, is a smaller, upright variety of the European Hornbeam that offers a narrow, columnar form, making it perfect for tight spaces. This tree stands out for its attractive green foliage in summer, which turns a striking golden yellow in fall. Its resilience to urban conditions and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types make it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for urban and suburban gardens.

Why Choose Frans Fontaine Hornbeam?

• Narrow, Columnar Shape: The tree's upright, compact form makes it ideal for narrow spaces or as a tall hedge or screen.
• Seasonal Foliage: Features bright green leaves in spring and summer, turning a golden yellow in the fall, providing seasonal beauty.
• Urban Tolerant: Known for its ability to handle urban conditions such as pollution, poor soil, and compacted ground.
• Low Maintenance: A hardy, disease-resistant tree that requires little care once established.

Key Features:

• Columnar Growth Habit: The narrow, upright shape makes this tree perfect for small gardens, tight spaces, or as a formal hedge.
• Stunning Fall Color: In the fall, the green leaves transition to a beautiful golden yellow, adding color and interest to the landscape.
• Textured Bark: The smooth, light gray bark adds winter interest and contrast to the bare branches.
• Pest & Disease Resistant: Resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to the landscape.
• Adaptable & Hardy: Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils, and is drought-tolerant once established.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: 20–30 feet tall, 8–12 feet wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–7.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay.

Ideal Uses:

• Narrow Spaces & Small Gardens: Perfect for gardens or landscapes where space is limited, offering vertical interest without taking up too much width.
• Hedges & Screens: The columnar shape makes it ideal for creating privacy screens or hedges in tight spaces.
• Street & Urban Landscaping: Its tolerance to urban conditions makes it suitable for city streets, parks, and urban gardens.
• Specimen Tree: A great choice as a specimen tree in smaller landscapes or formal garden settings.

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' (Frans Fontaine Hornbeam) offers the beauty and elegance of a classic hornbeam in a compact, columnar form. Its adaptability, seasonal foliage color, and low-maintenance nature make it a fantastic option for a variety of landscape applications.