Ultimate Hedge Guide UK 

Planting hedges is a common practice to establish clear property boundaries and create privacy or wind protection. Hedges can be formal, featuring trimmed box, yew, or beech foliage, or they can take on a more casual appearance with their colourful foliage or flowering varieties such as Photinia Red Robin or hawthorn. In addition, conifers, laurel, and Portuguese laurel are also popular options for hedge plants. By selecting from these diverse plant species, a gardener can create a hedge with unique characteristics that complement their landscape’s overall design.

Top 5 Hedging Plants 

English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): English Laurel is a popular hedge plant due to its dense, glossy foliage and tolerance of shade. It can grow quite tall, making it an excellent option for creating a privacy screen.

Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii): Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing conifer that can quickly establish a dense hedge. Its soft, feathery foliage makes it a popular choice for informal hedges, and it can also be trimmed into formal shapes.

Yew (Taxus Baccata): Yew hedges are a classic and often referred to as the King of hedges. Commonly found in the gardens of Castles & Stately Homes, this long lived hedge plant makes the most fantastic formal hedge. Yew will form a dense hedge with small, linear, dark green leaves.

Photinia Red Robin (Photinia x fraseri): Photinia Red Robin is a popular choice for informal hedges due to its bright red new growth in spring, which matures to glossy green. It can grow quite large, making it an excellent option for creating a privacy screen.

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica): Portuguese Laurel is an evergreen shrub that can be pruned into a formal hedge. It has dark green, glossy foliage and produces fragrant white flowers in the summer. It is also tolerant of shade and deer-resistant

Things to Consider When Choosing Hedge Plants 

When choosing a hedge, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

• Purpose: Determine the primary purpose of the hedge, such as creating a boundary, providing privacy or wind protection, or adding aesthetic value. This will help you choose the appropriate type of plant and determine the height, width, and density needed for the hedge.
• Climate and growing conditions: Choose a plant that is suitable for your climate and growing conditions. Consider factors such as soil type, drainage, sun exposure, and local weather patterns to ensure that the plant can thrive in your area.
• Maintenance: Different plants require different levels of maintenance, so choose a hedge that fits your lifestyle and schedule. For example, some plants may require regular pruning or watering, while others may be more low-maintenance.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the plant, as well as any ongoing maintenance expenses. Some plants may be more expensive to purchase initially but require less maintenance over time, while others may be less expensive but require more ongoing care.
• Aesthetics: Consider the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve with the hedge. Choose a plant that complements the style and design of your landscape and fits in with the surrounding environment.

You can find more advice on finding the best hedge plants on our advice page. 

Evergreen or Deciduous Hedge Plants? 

Evergreens make fine hedges and obviously, the bonus is having shelter or privacy all year round. However, they do tend to take more maintenance and need to be pruned annually, ideally twice a year. Conifers are popular evergreen choices but need to be pruned regularly as (with the exception of yew) neglected or overgrown conifer hedges cannot easily be restored.

Deciduous plants also make fine hedges, and indeed a beech hedge over winter holding onto its brown leaves is very pretty. You won’t get the same privacy with a deciduous hedge as you do with an evergreen. An advantage of a deciduous hedge is that it will filter wind in winter avoiding the damaging turbulence associated with dense evergreen hedges. They are more forgiving with pruning, and although they should be trimmed in late summer if you miss a year or two they will respond well to renovation.

Where to Buy Hedge Plants in the UK

When buying hedge plants, it’s essential to choose a reputable seller that offers high-quality plants and excellent customer service. Look for retailers that specialise in hedge plants and have a wide selection of species and varieties to choose from. Check customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of the seller’s reputation and reliability.

If you decide to purchase hedge plants online, be sure to research the retailer’s shipping and handling policies to ensure your plants arrive in good condition. Additionally, consider the retailer’s return and refund policies in case you encounter any issues with your order.

You could, of course, choose to shop with us. Our selection of high-quality, healthy hedge plants will transform your outdoor space into a private oasis. With a wide variety of species and sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your needs. Plus, our expert team is always here to help you with any questions you may have. 

The Benefits of Buying Hedge Plants from a UK Grower

Expertise: A specialist grower will typically have a greater knowledge of hedge plants, including the different species and varieties, their growth habits, and ideal growing conditions. They can provide expert advice and guidance on choosing the right plants for your hedge project and ensuring they thrive in your specific location.

Quality: Plants from a specialist grower are often of higher quality than those sold at garden centres. Growers will typically have more control over the plant’s growing conditions, ensuring they are healthy and disease-free. Additionally, specialist growers will usually offer a broader range of plant sizes and ages, allowing you to choose the best plants for your project’s specific needs.

Sustainability: By buying from a UK grower, you are supporting local agriculture and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting plants long distances. Additionally, specialist growers often use sustainable growing practices, such as minimising the use of pesticides and fertilisers, which can have a positive environmental impact.

Cost: The cost of buying the plants from a specialist grower such as ourselves will be lower than those at a garden centre. There may however be minimum orders values in place as plants are sold via mail order and the cost of delivery can be expensive. Specialist-grown plants are typically healthier and require less maintenance, resulting in fewer replacement costs and ongoing expenses.

Overall, buying hedge plants from a UK grower and specialist can provide many benefits, including expert advice, higher quality plants, sustainability, and better value for money. However, it’s always a good idea to research and compare options from multiple sellers to find the best deal and the perfect plants for your project.

Hedge Plants Guide UK 

Whether you’re looking to create a boundary, provide privacy or wind protection, or add aesthetic value to your landscape, we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive guide provides expert advice on choosing the best hedge plants for your specific needs, as well as tips on planting, maintenance, and care. With our help, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and functional hedge that enhances your outdoor space for years to come.

Key to Hedge Plant Information 

Hedge Plant Height: 

S  = maintain at 30-90cm (1-3ft)

M  = maintain at 90-120cm (3-4ft)

M-L  = maintain at 90-180cm (3-6ft) or as taller hedges or screens

L = can be maintained at over 180cm (6ft)

Conifer Hedge Plant Guide

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s cypress) (M-L) – A popular evergreen conifer with feathery foliage that is available in several varieties. ‘Fletcheri’ has a greyish-green colour, ‘Green Hedger’ is rich green, and ‘Stewartii’ has golden foliage. These plants are ideal for hedges due to their dense growth habit.

× Cuprocyparis leylandii (Leyland cypress) (M-L) – A fast-growing conifer that is widely used as a screen plant due to its tall and dense growth habit. It is available in several varieties, including ‘Castlewellan’ with yellow young shoots and ‘Robinson’s Gold’ with bronze-gold young growths. However, it requires careful planting and maintenance, as overgrown hedges can be difficult to restore.

Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) (M-L) – A popular evergreen conifer with green foliage that grows quickly. It is available in several varieties, including ‘Golden Cone’ with golden yellow foliage, ‘Goldcrest’ with golden yellow foliage, and ‘Lutea’ with yellow first-year foliage. This plant is ideal for informal screens and hedges, but it’s not fully frost-hardy and may not thrive in cold inland areas.

Taxus baccata (yew) (M-L) – A slow-growing but popular choice for formal, dense hedges. It has dark green foliage and is available in several varieties, including ‘Elegantissima’, the only golden yew suitable for screening hedges. These plants can be restored by hard pruning in late winter, making them a low-maintenance option.

Taxus × media, ‘Hicksii’ (M-L) – A broadly columnar plant that is ideal for hedging. It has dark green foliage and slow to moderate growth. ‘Hicksii’ is a popular variety due to its dense and uniform habit.

Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’ (Western red cedar) (M-L) – A fast-growing evergreen with bright green foliage. It is an ideal option for informal screens and hedges due to its rapid growth rate.

Evergreen Hedging Plants

Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ (spotted laurel) (M-L) – A plant with glossy, spotted foliage that makes a great hedge. It grows to a medium to large size and is ideal for adding interest to a shaded area.

Berberis darwinii (M-L) – This plant has bright orange flowers tinged with red in the spring and is suitable for hedges up to 6 feet tall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Berberis × stenophylla (M-L) – A plant with yellow flowers and arching branches, suitable for informal hedges. It grows to a medium to large size and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Berberis verruculosa (M-L) – This compact plant has solitary yellow flowers and grows up to 5-6 feet tall. It is ideal for small hedges and prefers well-drained soil.

Brachyglottis monroi (syn. Senecio monroi) (S) – A plant with silvery grey leaves and yellow flowers, suitable for small hedges. It grows up to 1m high and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Buxus sempervirens (box) (S) – A popular plant for formal hedges, it has a slow to medium growth rate. ‘Elegantissima’ has variegated leaves and ‘Suffruticosa’ is a dwarf form that is often sold by the metre.

Corokia × virgata (M-L)  – This plant has a milder growth habit and is suitable for coastal areas. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to a medium to large size.

Cotoneaster lacteus (M-L) – This plant has clusters of red berries that ripen late and is suitable for hedges up to 7-8 feet tall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Cotoneaster franchetii (M) – A semi-evergreen plant with sage-green leaves and orange-scarlet berries. It grows up to a medium size and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Elaeagnus × ebbingei (M-L)  – A fast-growing plant with large, silvery leaves that prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows up to a medium to large size and is ideal for screening hedges.

Escallonia rubra ‘Crimson Spire’ (M-L) – A large-leaved, erect plant with rose-red flowers.

‘Donard Radiance Is a compact, vigorous variety with rose-red flowers, ‘Pride of Donard’ has brilliant rose-red flowers, and ‘Langleyensis’ is tall and arching with rose-pink flowers.

Escallonia rubra var. macrantha – This plant is suitable for coastal areas only and has crimson flowers. It grows up to a medium to large size.

Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’ (S) – A plant with white-margined leaves that is suitable for small hedges. ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ has leaves of margined gold.

Euonymus japonicus (M-L)  – A plant with dark, glossy green leaves that is suitable for hedges up to a medium to large size. Variegated forms are also available.

Griselinia littoralis (M-L) – This plant is suitable for mild coastal areas only and has leathery, apple green leaves. It grows up to a medium to large size. 

Deciduous Hedge Plants 

Acer campestre(field maple) (M-L) : This plant is an attractive rural hedge that provides good autumn colouring.

Alnus cordata (Italian alder) (L) : The Italian alder is a plant useful for tall hedges on wet soils.

Berberis × ottawensis f. purpurea ‘Superba’ (M) : This plant has rich purple foliage and yellow flowers.

Berberis thunbergii ‘Erecta’ (S-M): With a compact habit, this plant provides good autumn colouring. ‘Atropurpurea Nana’ has purple foliage and a dwarf habit and grows up to 2 metres.

Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) (M-L): The hornbeam is similar to Beech, though it does not hold the leaves for as long. It is better suited for cold situations than Beech.

Cotoneaster simonsii (M-L): This plant is deciduous to semi-evergreen and has an erect habit with scarlet fruits.

Crataegus monogyna (quickthorn or hawthorn) (M-L): This plant is thorny and dense if regularly trimmed.

Fagus sylvatica (beech) (M-L): Suitable for formal hedges, the beech provides screening in winter as it retains brown leaves until spring.

Fagus sylvatica (purple-leaved beech) Atropurpurea (M-L): This plant is seed raised and variable but usually fairly true to colour.

Fagus sylvatica (copper beech) (Atropurpurea Group) ‘Riversii’ (M-L): This plant is grafted and more expensive than paler-leaved copper beech.

Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis ‘Variegata’ (M-L): This plant is only suitable for milder coastal areas. ‘Riccartonii’ is another good cultivar.

Genista hispanica (S): This prickly plant has yellow flowers in spring.

Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) (M-L): This plant is only suitable for milder coastal areas.

Hypericum forrestii (M): This plant has golden yellow flowers in summer.

Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop) (S): This shrubby aromatic herb is great for low hedges.

Potentilla fruticosa ‘Jackman’s Variety’ (S): This plant has yellow flowers in summer.

Prunus cerasifera (myrobalan or cherry plum) ‘Nigra’ (L): This plant has deep purple foliage and thorny stems.

Prunus × cistena (S-M): This plant has reddish foliage.

Prunus spinosa (blackthorn or sloe) (L): This strong-growing plant has thorny stems and is great for rural hedges.

Rhododendron luteum (L) : Suitable for acid soils only, this plant has fragrant yellow flowers in spring.

Ribes sanguineum (flowering currant) ‘Pulborough Scarlet’ (M-L): This cultivar of the flowering currant has deep red flowers.

 

Shade Loving Hedge Plants 

Aucuba japonica (spotted laurel) (M-L) is a versatile evergreen shrub that can tolerate shade, making it a great choice for darker areas of the garden. It produces large, glossy, dark green leaves that are heavily speckled with yellow or gold, and it can grow to a height of around 2-3 metres. It is relatively low maintenance and can be pruned to keep its shape and size in check.

Buxus (box) (S-M): is a classic choice for creating formal garden hedges and topiary shapes. It is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in colour. Buxus can grow to different sizes, from small varieties suitable for low hedging to large shrubs that can grow up to 5 metres in height. It is a versatile plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions, as well as different levels of sun exposure.

Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’ or ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ (S-M) are popular choices for adding colour and interest to garden borders and hedging. They are evergreen shrubs with variegated leaves, with ‘Emerald Gaiety’ having dark green leaves with white margins, and ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ having green and gold leaves. These euonymus varieties are relatively low maintenance and can grow to a height of around 1-2 metres.

Ilex aquifolium (common holly) (M-L) is a classic choice for a formal garden hedge. It is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves that are spiny and can grow to a height of up to 15 metres. Holly is slow-growing and can be pruned to maintain its shape and size, and it produces red berries in the winter, which are popular with birds.

Ilex × altaclerensis ‘Hodginsii’ (holly) (M-L) is a male holly cultivar that is a good choice for a formal garden hedge. It is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy leaves that are spiny, and it can grow to a height of up to 6 metres. It is a relatively low maintenance plant and produces no berries.

Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel) (M-L) is a popular choice for creating a fast-growing garden hedge. It is an evergreen shrub with large, glossy, dark green leaves that can grow up to 15 metres in height if left unpruned. Cherry laurel produces white flowers in the spring, followed by small black berries in the autumn, which are toxic if ingested.

Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) (M-L) is a dense evergreen shrub that is a popular choice for creating garden hedges. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are oblong and pointed, and it can grow up to 6 metres in height. Portuguese laurel produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the summer, followed by small red or black berries.

Symphoricarpos (snowberry) (M-L) is a hardy deciduous shrub that produces small pink or white flowers in the summer, followed by clusters of white or pink berries that persist into the winter. Snowberry is a good choice for creating a low-maintenance informal garden hedge, and it can grow up to 2 metres in height if left unpruned. It is tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions, making it a versatile plant for many gardens.

Best Hedges for Security

Berberis × stenophylla (M-L) is a deciduous shrub with yellow flowers and arching branches that make it suitable for use as an informal hedge. It grows to a medium to large size.

Crataegus monogyna, (M-L) also known as quickthorn or hawthorn, is a thorny, dense shrub that can be trimmed regularly to create a dense hedge. It grows to a medium to large size.

Genista hispanica, (M) also known as Spanish gorse, is a prickly shrub with yellow flowers in the spring. It has a small size and can be used as an accent plant or in a mixed border.

Hippophae rhamnoides, (M-L) also known as sea buckthorn, is a large shrub that is well-suited for use as a windbreak or for erosion control in coastal areas. It has silvery leaves and produces orange berries.

Ilex aquifolium, (M-L) also known as common holly, is a popular evergreen shrub for use in hedges. It has spiny leaves and produces bright red berries in the winter. It grows to a medium to large size.

Prunus spinosa, (L) also known as blackthorn or sloe, is a thorny shrub that is often used in rural hedges. It has a large size and produces fragrant white flowers in the spring, followed by blue-black berries in the autumn.

Pyracantha, (M-L) also known as firethorn, is a spiny evergreen shrub that produces white flowers in the spring and orange or red berries in the autumn. It is often used as a hedging plant due to its dense growth habit and ability to tolerate pruning. It grows to a medium to large size.

Hedge Plants for Coastal Regions

Brachyglottis Monroi (syn. Senecio monroi) (S): A small shrub with yellow flowers and silvery-grey leaves. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Corokia × Virgata (M): A small shrub with tangled, dark branches and small, silvery leaves. It’s tolerant of seaside conditions and prefers full sun.

Cotoneaster Lacteus (M-L): A large shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and red berries. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Cupressus Macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) (M-L): A tall evergreen tree with dense, blue-grey foliage. It’s tolerant of coastal conditions and prefers full sun.

Elaeagnus × Ebbingei (M-L): A large shrub with green and silver leaves and fragrant, small white flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Escallonia ‘Donard Seedling’ (M-L): A large shrub with dark green, glossy leaves and pink flowers in summer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Euonymus Japonicus (M-L): A large shrub or small tree with dark green, glossy leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Fuchsia ‘Riccartonii’ (M)(milder areas only): A medium-sized shrub with small, pink and purple flowers. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

Griselinia Littoralis (M-L): A large shrub or small tree with leathery, apple-green leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Hebe Brachysiphon (M-L): A large shrub with narrow, dark green leaves and pink or white flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Hebe × Franciscans ‘Blue Gem’ (S): A small shrub with narrow, dark green leaves and blue flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Hebe Salicifolia (M-L): A large shrub with narrow, willow-like leaves and white or pink flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Hippophae Rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) (M-L): A large shrub with spiny, silvery-grey leaves and orange berries. It’s tolerant of seaside conditions and prefers full sun.

Olearia × Haastii (S-M): A small shrub with small, narrow leaves and white flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Olearia Macrodonta (S-M): A small shrub with large, sage-green leaves and white flowers. It’s tolerant of seaside conditions and prefers full sun.

Pittosporum Tenuifolium (M-L): A large shrub or small tree with pale green leaves and fragrant, purple-black flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Rosa Rugosa (M-L): A large shrub with fragrant, pink or white flowers and large, red hips. It’s tolerant of seaside conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Santolina Chamaecyparissus (S): A small shrub with silvery-grey leaves and yellow flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Tamarix (tamarisk) (M-L): A large shrub or small tree with delicate, pink flowers and feathery

Which Hedges can be Planted in Clay Soils? 

Berberis evergreen and deciduous: B. darwinii (M) is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy leaves and bright orange-yellow flowers. 

Verruculosa (S-M) is an evergreen shrub with spiny leaves and yellow flowers in spring. 

Thunbergii (M) is a deciduous shrub with small leaves that turn brilliant red in autumn.

Cotoneaster Simonsii (M-L) is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub with an erect habit and dark green leaves that turn red in autumn. It produces scarlet fruits in autumn.

Cotoneaster Franchetii (L) is a semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub with an arching habit and small, glossy leaves. It produces small pinkish-white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn.

Escallonia (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and pink or red flowers in summer.

Euonymus Japonicus (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy leaves and inconspicuous flowers in summer. It is often used for hedging.

Ilex × Altaclerensis ‘Hodginsii’ (holly) (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with spiny, dark green leaves and small white flowers in spring. It produces red berries in autumn.

Osmanthus Delavayi (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers in autumn.

Potentilla Fruticosa ‘Jackman’s Variety’ (S) is a deciduous shrub with yellow flowers from early summer to early autumn.

Prunus Laurocerasus (cherry laurel) (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. It produces red or black berries in autumn.

Prunus Lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in summer. It produces red or black berries in autumn.

Pyracantha (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with spiny branches, small dark green leaves and clusters of white flowers in late spring. It produces orange or red berries in autumn.

Ribes Sanguineum (flowering currant) ‘Pulborough Scarlet’ (M-L) is a deciduous shrub with pinkish-red flowers in spring.

Spiraea (S-M) is a deciduous shrub with pink or white flowers in spring or summer, depending on the species.

Symphoricarpos albus var. Laevigatus (snowberry) (M-L) is a deciduous shrub with green leaves and white or pinkish flowers in summer. It produces large white berries in autumn.

Syringa Meyeri ‘Palibin’ (syn. S. palibiniana) (S) is a compact, slow-growing kind of lilac with small, fragrant pinkish-purple flowers in late spring.

Viburnum (M-L) refers to several species of shrubs with white or pink flowers in spring and often colourful berries in autumn or winter, depending on the species.

Perfect Hedges for Wet Soils

Berberis evergreen and deciduous: B. darwinii (M) is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy leaves and bright orange-yellow flowers.

B. Verruculosa (S-M) is an evergreen shrub with spiny leaves and yellow flowers in spring.

B. Thunbergii (M) is a deciduous shrub with small leaves that turn brilliant red in autumn.

Cotoneaster Simonsii (M-L) is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub with an erect habit and dark green leaves that turn red in autumn. It produces scarlet fruits in autumn.

Cotoneaster Franchetii (L) is a semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub with an arching habit and small, glossy leaves. It produces small pinkish-white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn.

Escallonia (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and pink or red flowers in summer.

Euonymus Japonicus (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy leaves and inconspicuous flowers in summer. It is often used for hedging.

Ilex × Altaclerensis ‘Hodginsii’ (holly) (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with spiny, dark green leaves and small white flowers in spring. It produces red berries in autumn.

Osmanthus Delavayi (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers in autumn.

Potentilla Fruticosa ‘Jackman’s Variety’ (S) is a deciduous shrub with yellow flowers from early summer to early autumn.

Prunus Laurocerasus (cherry laurel) (L) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. It produces red or black berries in autumn.

Prunus Lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in summer. It produces red or black berries in autumn.

Pyracantha (M-L) is an evergreen shrub with spiny branches, small dark green leaves and clusters of white flowers in late spring. It produces orange or red berries in autumn.

Ribes Sanguineum (flowering currant) ‘Pulborough Scarlet’ (M-L) is a deciduous shrub with pinkish-red flowers in spring.

Spiraea (S-M) is a deciduous shrub with pink or white flowers in spring or summer, depending on the species.

Symphoricarpos albus var. Laevigatus (snowberry) (M-L) is a deciduous shrub with green leaves and white or pinkish flowers in summer. It produces large white berries in autumn.

Syringa Meyeri ‘Palibin’ (syn. S. palibiniana) (S) is a compact, slow-growing kind of lilac with small, fragrant pinkish-purple flowers in late spring.

Viburnum (M-L) refers to several species of shrubs with white or pink flowers in spring and often colourful berries in autumn or winter, depending on the species.

Best Feature Hedges UK 

Viburnum tinus ‘Variegatum’ (S-M): A popular evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, edged with creamy white. Clusters of pink buds open to fragrant white flowers in winter and early spring, followed by blue-black berries. Ideal for hedging and screening.

Elaeagnus Pungens ‘Maculata’ (M) A tough, evergreen shrub with silvery-grey leaves, heavily spotted with yellow. Small, fragrant flowers appear in autumn, followed by orange-red berries. Tolerant of salt and coastal exposure, but may suffer from wind damage.

Choisya Ternata ‘Sundance’ (S-M) : A compact evergreen shrub with bright yellow-green foliage, fragrant white flowers in spring, and sporadic flowering throughout summer. Ideal for sunny, sheltered sites.

Ligustrum Ovalifolium ‘Aureum’ (Golden Privet) (M-L): A popular semi-evergreen shrub with oval, bright green leaves, edged with yellow. Clusters of white flowers appear in early summer, followed by black berries. Ideal for hedging and screening in sun or shade.

Photinia × Fraseri ‘Red Robin’ (M-L): A popular evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves, which turn bright red in spring before darkening to green again. Small, fragrant white flowers appear in late spring, followed by red berries. Prone to leaf spotting due to winter cold and wet, and may need sheltered conditions. Ideal for hedging and screening in sun or part shade.

Low Growing Hedges 

Berberis Microphylla ‘Pygmaea’ (S): A small, compact evergreen shrub with tiny glossy leaves and red berries in autumn.

Berberis × Stenophylla ‘Corallina Compacta’ (S): A compact shrub with purple-red leaves in spring and yellow-orange foliage in autumn.

Buxus Sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (box) (S): A slow-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub with small, rounded leaves, commonly used for low hedges and topiary.

Euonymus Fortunei Cultivars (S): A group of evergreen shrubs and climbers with variegated or green leaves, suitable for ground cover, hedges, and containers.

Ilex Crenata (S): A small-leaved, slow-growing evergreen shrub that can be clipped into various shapes and sizes, often used as a boxwood substitute.

Lavandula Angustifolia (S): A fragrant, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub with silver-green leaves and purple-blue flowers, commonly used in herb gardens and as low hedges.

Santolina Chamaecyparissus var. nana (S): A low-growing, compact evergreen shrub with silvery-grey foliage and yellow flowers, commonly used as a low hedge or in rock gardens.

Best Hedges for Colder UK Climates

Berberis × Stenophylla (M-L): A medium to large shrub with arching branches, glossy green leaves, and yellow flowers in spring, followed by red berries.

Carpinus Betulus (hornbeam) (M-L): A deciduous tree or large shrub with serrated leaves that turn yellow-orange in autumn, commonly used for hedging and screening.

Crataegus Monogyna (hawthorn) (M-L): A thorny, deciduous tree or large shrub with lobed leaves and white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn.

Fagus Sylvatica (beech) (M-L): A large, deciduous tree with smooth grey bark and oval-shaped leaves that turn copper in autumn, commonly used for hedging and screening.

Ilex Aquifolium (common holly) (M-L): A slow-growing, evergreen tree or shrub with dark green, glossy leaves and red berries on female plants in autumn and winter.

Prunus Laurocerasus (cherry laurel) (M-L): A large, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by black berries.

Prunus Lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) (M-L): A dense, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers in summer, followed by red berries.

Taxus Baccata (yew) (M-L)thuja: A slow-growing, evergreen tree or shrub with dark green needles and red berries on female plants in autumn and winter, commonly used for hedging and topiary.

Thuja Occidentalis ‘Brabant’ (White Cedar) (M-L): A large, evergreen tree with aromatic, scale-like leaves and brown cones, commonly used for hedging and screening.

Which Hedges are Native to the UK? 

Acer Campestre (field maple) (M-L): A deciduous tree commonly used for hedging due to its attractive rural appearance and good autumn colour.

Crataegus Monogyna (hawthorn) (M-L): A dense and thorny deciduous shrub that is commonly used for rural hedging, and can provide shelter for wildlife. Regular pruning is required to maintain density and shape.

Ilex Aquifolium (common holly) (M-L): A slow-growing evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and red berries, requiring both male and female plants to produce fruit. Often used for formal hedges or as an individual specimen.

Ligustrum Vulgare (wild privet) (M-L): A semi-evergreen shrub commonly used for hedging, with green leaves that turn yellow-green in autumn. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions.

Prunus Spinosa (blackthorn, sloe) (L): A deciduous shrub with dense, thorny branches that is commonly used for rural hedging, and can provide wildlife habitat. The fruit is often used to make sloe gin or jam.

Conclusion

So to sum it up, there are a lot of great options when it comes to choosing plants for a hedge. Some popular choices include box, holly, laurel, and yew. Each plant has its own unique characteristics, such as evergreen or deciduous foliage, thorny or non-thorny branches, and varying growth rates. It’s important to consider the specific needs of your space and the look you’re going for when selecting the right plants for your hedge. Ultimately, with careful planning and maintenance, a beautiful and functional hedge can be achieved.

Are you ready to transform your outdoor space with a beautiful and practical hedge? Head over to our shop and browse our extensive collection of high-quality hedge plants. With our team’s expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can be sure you’ll find the perfect plants to suit your needs.