Carpinus

You'd be forgiven for not expecting such a fascinating textural plant to spring from the well of one of the most standard hedging plants in the Western world. Yet that is indeed what this old-school cultivar seen far too rarely in gardens offers. Despite it's name it fails to overwhelm in either it's dwarfness or upright form, though it does offer some of both growing only to about 10ft at which it takes on a plump pear shape. Where it thrives however is in it's extreme density with leaves stuffed in so tightly you're unlikely to see even the hint of a branch, a mature specimen is a real eye-catcher from a distance when planted amidst other trees or could provide an even denser hedge than the classic.

One of the Asian hornbeams longest in cultivation, as well as one of the most graceful, yet still sadly rare particularly here in the US. Most introductions trace back to the Himalayas and China, whereas this is possibly the first from Vietnam collected and shared with us by Aaron Floden. Gently drooping branches and pendulous catkins give a soft weeping effect (particularly good in this clone) without the messiness of a true weeper. A beauty and with good hardiness for its origins surviving -6 F in Aaron's home garden.