Hedging Plants
A hedge is much more than just a boundary. An established hedge will offer so many things that a humble fence panel wont, for both the garden and its inhabitants. It can provide shelter and a home for a huge variety of wildlife (and in many cases a food source too) and provide shelter from the elements for the rest of your garden too. And that’s not to mention the natural beauty, character even financial value that an attractive hedge can add to your property.
Many hedging plants can be bought and planted all year round as long as they have been produced in containers. This applies to the vast majority of evergreen hedging plants and several deciduous options too. Some of these will be stocked in large numbers for most of the year for immediate purchase with the remainder being sourced specially for you as nursery-fresh plants from one of our trusty growers.
Whilst there are many different shrubs, conifers and roses that make superb hedges, these are some of the more popular options. Planting distances can vary depending upon what size plants you are purchasing, your budget and how much patience you have!
Laurel
(Suggested planting distance 45- 60cm apart)
They don’t come much tougher than the Laurel! If you’re looking for a fast growing evergreen that’s easy to grow, laurel should be somewhere at the top of your list. Laurel is a great plant for creating shelter quickly, for you, your garden and for wildlife. This is in fact our most popular hedging plant and we can normally supply these in large numbers with short notice.
Pyracantha
(suggested planting distance 30-40cm apart)
A great choice for creating a security barrier and the best choice for attracting wildlife too. No burglar would want to negotiate the thorns of a pyracantha which makes this a popular recommendation with crime prevention officers as “defensive” plant. Pyracanthas are smothered in white flowers in the summer which have the pollinating insects flocking, followed by the birds feasting on the berries and pyracantha is great for providing them with shelter too.
Buxus (Box)
(suggested planting distance 15-25cm apart depending on size)
Box needs little introduction and has fast become a familiar sight in both old and new gardens. If you’re looking for an easy to grow hedge that you can keep down to a low height, box would be a great choice. We offer box plants in 3litre pots as well as packs.
Lavender
(suggested planting distance 25 -45cm apart depending on size)
Another great low growing hedge when you’re looking for something a little more romantic and informal. One of the most attractive looking hedges in the summer months with its beautiful lavender blue flower spikes that bees, butterflies and other insects just adore (and because it attracts insects, it will attract birds too). We sell lavenders in many different sizes including economical 6 packs, small 1 litre pots to larger plants in a 3 litre pot size for something more immediate.
Photinia
(suggested planting distance 30 – 45cm apart)
Many gardeners recognise the bright red leaves of photinia but few are aware that this plant can make such a great hedge. It’s the new shoots that provide all the colour which is greatly encouraged by clipping. If you have time to trim this hedge 2 of 3 times a year you will be greatly rewarded for your time with a fantastic blaze of colour for long periods of the growing season. Whilst Photinia “Red Robin” has always been the traditional choice for hedging for highly recommend the improved variety of “Carre Rouge”.
Yew – Taxus Baccata
(recommended planting distance 30cm apart)
Yew is a classic conifer hedge that trims into an exceptionally neat shape and is perfect when a very formal style is required. Yew trims very well into topiary and the many different tools and video tutorials available on the internet makes it an easy project take on these days. Yew makes a beautifully dense hedge which is great for providing shelter and makes a great noise filter too.
The following plants are “field grown” (rather than grown in pots) and lifted in the winter months to be planted as “bare-root” plants. This is how most traditional “hedgerow” plants are grown.
BAREROOT HEDGING PRICES 2022
(PLEASE CALL 01508 480734 TO CHECK AVAILABILITY)
| Acer campestre (Field Maple) | 60-90cm tall | £1.90 each |
| Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) | 40-60cm tall | £1.99 each |
| Corylus avellena (Hazel) | 40-60cm tall | £1.29 each |
| Crateagus monogyna (Quickthorn) | 40-60cm tall | £0.99 each £19 for bundle of 25 |
| Euonymus europaeus (Spindle) | 60-100cm tall | £2.75 each |
| Fagus sylvatica (Green Beech) | 40-60cm tall | £1.99 each |
| Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) | 40-60cm tall | £0.99 each |
| Viburnum opulus (Gelder Rose) | 40-60cm tall | £2.49 each |
| Rabbit Guards (clear) | 24" | £0.65 |
If you have any questions regarding selection, growing or purchasing hedging plants, please feel free to contact us. Our team of knowledgeable horticultural staff are always happy to advise you.