American hornbeam Carpinus carolina

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

Does any one grow this tree and do you have any tips?

How well does it cut back and bud?

Can you defoliate? If so how and when and how often?

Likes and dislikes. Dry, wet, etc,

Anything will be of help. I have one that is about 20 years old and just going into its first bonsai pot as a roughie.

The roots are pretty awful. How well does it air layer or root graft?

It does have a nice leaf; branch habit and autumn/fall color.

Thanks in advance,

Grant

 

[Zach Smith]

Hi all,

Does any one grow this tree and do you have any tips?

How well does it cut back and bud?

Can you defoliate? If so how and when and how often?

Likes and dislikes. Dry, wet, etc,

Anything will be of help. I have one that is about 20 years old and just going into its first bonsai pot as a roughie.

The roots are pretty awful. How well does it air layer or root graft?

It does have a nice leaf; branch habit and autumn/fall color.

Thanks in advance,

Grant

Grant, I've been growing American hornbeam for over 20 years. In my experience they're not finicky in terms of watering. You can't let them dry out, of course, but too much water doesn't seem to hurt. Just be sure your soil drains well. Though Am. hornbeam is an understory tree, I've never had problems with full sun. You'll need to see how your own micro-climate works in this regard. They bud back very well and grow all season long, so you should be able to defoliate. I've never used this technique, so you might want to grow some cuttings and experiment. Leaf reduction is great no matter what, and so is ramification. Be sure to seal any large cuts over 1/2" in diameter, and treat any carved areas with lime-sulfur.

All in all, American hornbeam is a great species for bonsai.

Best of luck.

Zach

 

[Grant Bowie]

Hi Zach,

Thanks for that. They do look like good material and I will strike some cuttings for possible future root grafts and see how they handle defoliation along the way,

Grant

 

[Zach Smith]

Hi Zach,

Thanks for that. They do look like good material and I will strike some cuttings for possible future root grafts and see how they handle defoliation along the way,

Grant

I did forget to note that when collecting hornbeams over here, they almost always come with great surface roots so I don't have any experience with root grafts. I would think you could certainly get them to take, or even layer the whole tree if need be.

Zach