Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'
Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’, also known as the European hornbeam 'Frans Fontaine', is a very elegant columnar selection, ideal for narrow plantings, tall hedges, or structured designs. Its naturally narrow, dense, and upright habit maintains a compact oval shape without severe pruning, making it a top choice for urban alignments, narrow yards, or vertical visual screens. Its lustrous dark green foliage turns golden yellow in autumn, then slightly browns in winter, where it can partially persist on the branches. Very hardy, tolerant of pruning, pollution, and compacted soils, ‘Frans Fontaine’ is a valuable asset for formal gardens, urban landscapes, and modern designs.
Care guide
Light, soil, water and hardiness
Blooming, foliage and shape
Size and growth
Companion planting, spacing and harvest
Pets
Butterflies
Deer
The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.
