Overview
Hornbeam and Beech Bonsai (Carpinus and Fagus species) is a woodland trees with smooth grey bark, fine twigs and strong seasonal interest. It is best suited to broom, formal upright, forest planting and naturalistic woodland bonsai. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
sun to partial shade; beech appreciates protection from hot drying wind
Watering
keep evenly moist, never allowing shallow pots to dry hard
Feeding and fertilising
feed moderately through spring and summer
Pruning and wiring
structural prune in winter; trim new growth after leaves harden; preserve inner buds
Repotting
repot every 2-4 years in early spring
Propagation
seed, air layers and nursery material
Pests, diseases and common issues
leaf scorch, aphids, mildew and slow back-budding on old beech wood