In so doing, it will adjust and secure its roots cogently. To plant a tree you'll need a spade, a tree fairly obviously, a spiral to protect it and a cane to support that spiral and somewhere to plant it. You’ll want to do this anyway because the warmer seasons quickly dry out their roots, reducing their quality. However, they can be planted at any time from late autumn until late winter However, they can be planted at any time from late autumn until late winter You can buy semi-mature hedges which, although costly, will give an instant hedge. It is a genuine native of the British Isles (Ireland excepted) and has comfortably weathered colder winter than any of us are likely to see again. If you'd like to establish a hedge as a border or barrier screen, then consider using privet plants (Ligustrum spp. Though, as aforementioned, the kind of hedge and its age must also be taken into account to ensure the perfect time to plant. Give the gift of RHS membership. From a horticultural point of view the very best time to plant almost all Beech hedge plants (especially bare roots and rootballs) is in late Autumn or early Winter… Water if the soil is dry, Mulch to a depth of 7.5cm (3in) after planting to prevent weeds, Ensure plants are well-watered during dry spells for the next two years, Top-dress annually with a general-purpose fertiliser, such as Growmore at 70g per sq m (2oz per sq yd), and re-apply mulch as required, Keep the hedge and 45cm (18in) on each side weed-free. How to Plant a Box Hedge Box (Buxus sempervirens) is a tough little shrub. Soak the plant’s soil-bowl base in a bucket of shallow to medium water for an hour and then plant into a trench approximately 1 meter in width and 30-50 cm in length. Planting your hedges: The best time for planting is between November and March, but never plant into waterlogged or frozen ground. This hedge plant grows about 30 cm to 60 cm every year and looks gorgeous when left for developing a natural aesthetic look. 222879/SC038262, Plant evergreen and semi-evergreen hedges in early autumn, Plant deciduous hedges in mid-autumn to late winter, Delay planting if soil is waterlogged or frozen, Keep new hedges well-watered for the first two years, Prepare the ground by digging over a strip 60-90cm (2-3ft) wide and one spit (or spade blade) deep. Free delivery on orders >£60. Most trees and shrubs have potential to make hedges. If your hedges are deciduous, it would be ideal for these shrubs to adapt their root networks by planting them in autumn. Walls cannot wave and weave in the clever way that these branches do. This hedging shrub grows to between 15 to 30 ft. (4 – 12 m). In all cases, planting is best delayed until the soil can be worked easily, especially if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. 90cm/3ft) from the boundary line. Unlike conventional single-variety hedges, natural mixed hedges will grant a host of different colors, shades and shapes depending on the species. Bare, rooted plants are cheaper, but take care not to expose the roots for long when planting This will allow the hedge to fill out before it becomes an issue with overhanging the pavement or a neighbour's property, Within the row planting distances vary from 30-60cm (1-2ft), depending on the plants’ final size, the size of hedge required and plant vigour. The type of plant you have, or choose to have in your hedge, will affect its height. Here we should respectively consider the differences and availability of root-balled and containerized/ potted shrubs. The roots will gravitate to this thermo layer like a family to a toasty fire on a crisp evening. Hedges are most basely categorized as deciduous or evergreen. Containerized plants are potted as they are immature shrubs and have not yet developed the extension of their roots. Evergreen hedges, such as privet, are best planted in early autumn. While it is soaking, prepare the trench into which you intend to plant it. These younglings are available in spring. Whether deciduous or evergreen, the root systems will need time to bury in their new soil and autumn has warmer sub-surface soil where the roots reach (irrespective of colder climate above ground). With a little bit of research and mental math, you should be putting your green thumbs to use in no time! Fast Growing Hedges Fast-growing hedging is a great way to achieve maximum impact in your garden in less time, all on a low budget. The stage of growth of your hedging plants largely impacts the time of their ideal planting. It will be pretty impossible to dig the ground in those conditions anyway. Semi-mature plants require extra care in planting and watering. Why put up a fence when you can plant a natural hedge screen with any of our many hedging plants that will reward you with colour, flowers, berries and wildlife. Cherry laurel hedge plants have a dense, bushy growth habit that creates an ideal privacy screen or windbreak. In the hottest months of the year – generally July and August, avoid planting only if the ground is solid due to extreme drought. And although these small, inexpensive hedging whips (which measure 2-3 feet and cost around a 90 pound each) look tiny when you plant them, they will soon romp away and make a hedge that quickly catches up with expensive, container-grown plants. She tweets at @robinsonplants. For more information, please read our, 6 Key Factors to Consider When Creating Your Dream Garden, How to Identify Good and Bad Bugs in Your Garden, The Complete Guide to Creating a Self-Sustaining Garden, How To Grow Psilocybin Mushrooms: 7 Simple Steps, 6 Amazing Ideas to Treat Cough and Cold Using Herbs, Basic Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips You Must Always Remember, When You Should Call for Sprinkler Repair, Discover the Hidden Repairs Needed for Your Sprinkler System, How To Use An Auger Drill Bit – Learn it Now, PROS AND CONS OF USING ROBOT VACUUM FOR HARDWOOD FLOORS, Perfect Gifts for Gardeners who have Everything. They seem to consider every boundary defect and beautify imperfection. This will give it enough time to develop its roots before the spring/summer when the weather is much dryer. HOW TO PLANT HEDGES... Plant deciduous hedges from January to March, and evergreen hedges in March or April. Planting is best done between October and April. A properly trimmed yew hedge can make a beautiful wall for your home garden. More than just for the sake of privacy or for use as windbreakers, hedges are fecundous bird life sanctuaries and creative living expressions with practical implications. This wrapping must be removed, if it is of synthetic fibre, but natural fibre wrappings are sometimes left on. Only a hedge lover knows this secret. They are very cheap and are easy to establish. The size of the hole depends on the progress of the shrub’s root growth which you should gauge or research (for more precision). Robinsonloveplants.com is a participant in the, Robinsonloveplants.com makes no representations, warranties, or assurances as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of the content contain on this website or any sites linked to this site. Alternatively, spread over the soil surface and mix into the top 25cm (10in) of soil with a fork (forking in), Work soil between the roots, firm plants in so that soil is in close contact with the roots. If a herbicide (weedkiller) has not been used beforehand, remove all weeds. Alternatively, form the soil into a ridge about 15-20cm (6-8in) high and 50-70cm (20-28in) across to plant into, Ideally position boundary hedges so they are set back a little way (e.g. Hedges are most Larger plants need more care and are more expensive. A newly planted hedge. It develops white flowers followed by black or red berries. In terms of climate and soil, the general rule of thumb dictates that the considerable volume of earth takes the whole of spring and summer to heat up and the whole of autumn and winter to cool down. UK grower, specialist in Hedging Plants Top quality Hedging Plants at Alternatively, they can be temporarily planted very close together in a trench, with their roots covered in at least 20cm (8in) of soil (this is called heeling-in). A fence or brick wall might offer an instant solution, but a lush green hedge will act as a natural and attractive screen. Slow and steady really does win the race, in this case. As a general rule, the dormant period over winter is the best time to prune and trim back your hedges, but dead wood and smaller branches can be removed at any time. When to Plant a Privet Hedge After Shipping. Good soil preparation beforehand will give your hedge the best start in life. The first thing you'll need to do is dig yourself a hole. Due to the rudimental root network, before planting, place the containerized shrub’s roots in a bowl of shallow water. It’s her goal to make sure that you get the chance to learn what you need to about gardening to succeed with your own home garden at the blog RobinsonLovePlants.com. Hedges are one of the most valuable groups of garden plants. A fast growing hedge will increase privacy, while also adding texture and interest to your landscaping. That being said, their availability is mostly limited to the colder season so you might have to wait for autumn or winter to purchase them. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, General enquiries Plant in your yard in full sun wherever you need a tall informal hedge that flowers in the summer. Contact us now on 01704 827 224. Regular pruning will help maintain the height you need. Hedging Plants: By Common (English) Name Thereafter, place nutrient rich soil or compost into the hole so that it encompasses the root and lower stem system. Adversely, spring has much thawing to do before melting through the thick cold of winter’s remnants – making autumn the winner of the ‘ideal planting season competition’. They like to hit the ground running so planting them when there’s plenty of water and sunshine will give them a good head start. For hedges thicker than 90cm (3ft), plant a staggered double row 45cm (18in) apart, with plants 90cm (3ft) apart, Trim back damaged roots to healthy growth with sharp knife or old pair of secateurs, Spread out the roots, ensuring the planting depth is correct. It is also used as a climber for the decoration of trellises … Water or soak each plant well at least an hour before planting. Some of our hedges are fast growing for quick privacy such as Lawsoniana hedge plants and Privet hedge plants, others are slower growing such as Berberis hedge plants or Buxus hedge plants (boxwood), but therefore … Hedges require formative pruning on planting, plus maintenance trimming to keep them within bounds. Privet hedging is great for polluted, dry & shady areas. It clips beautifully & grows in any soil to ~3 m. Order online at Ashridge Nurseries. They shed leaves and conserve energy during this period of dormancy. However, pot-grown plants are equally suitable but cost a little more. times, RHS Registered Charity no. So as hedges are fairly permanent structures, you should think carefully about what to plant and how high you’d like it before you start. Bareroot green, variegated & wild. ), which work well … .membership-promo > p { font-size: 2.4em } If there is a delay in planting, keep the plants in a frost-free shed and cover their roots with moist straw, paper or potting compost and plastic sheet. Guaranteed. You’re sure to You can dig individual holes for each plant, but it’s much more efficient to dig out a trench just a little wider but no deeper than the root systems 2. Best advice More information on suitable species can be found on our selecting plants for hedging page. Not only is autumn the best season for new plants to get established, it’s also a great time to buy hedging plants as cheaper bare-root plants. Planting and caring for a new hedge is very similar to that for any new tree or shrub. How to Choose the Best Lawn Edger for Your Garden, Moving to A New House? Credit: RHS/John Trenholm. The best hedge plant species in our opinion for intruder hedging are listed below (click the links to read our full information/see photographs and pricing) Pyracantha (Firethorn) – one of our top-selling species for this purpose because as well as having really dangerous thorns, it also is evergreen, has pretty fragrant flowers and profuse berries (red, orange or yellow) in winter Hedges, like other trees and shrubs, are vulnerable to establishment problems. To encourage even growth of your hedge plant, trim it at the right time of year – but every plant species may have a different schedule. That’s because the dormant season of late autumn through winter is the best time to plant hedges, particularly if you buy bare-rooted whips … They’re dug up and usually ready for immediate planting (soil transferal). Do not plant in freezing weather or … Deciduous hedges hibernate in colder seasons to conserve water during winter scarcity. Hedging UK is a friendly, family run business and specialist growers of quality hedging plants. The best hedges develop from a good basal re-growth – so ensure this prune is carried out at planting time or in the first spring. We deliver across the UK. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. Unlike their sleepy cousins, evergreens have evolved to eradicate the need to enter a stage of dormancy. The best time of the year to plant this type of hedge is between mid-autumn and late winter before the ground freezes. Here’s How to Bring Your Garden with You, Flower Gifting Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts, Amelia Robinson is a lover of plants and gardens, as well as an educator on this topic. The point where the roots flare out from the stem should be level with the surrounding soil; on container-grown plants, scrape away the compost from the top of the root ball to reveal this point, On sandy or heavy clay soils, mix organic matter, such as garden compost or a proprietary tree and shrub planting mix, with the soil dug out from the hole to backfill. Pruning times vary depending on the type of hedge. Setting up a mixed hedge fulfills all the functions of a normal single-species hedge, and provides an added aesthetic touch to your garden that is quite unique all year long. Instead, she wants to answer the difficult questions for you. This will prevent them drying out. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. The trick is knowing the kind of hedge you’d like to plant, its stage of growth as well as soil and seasonal factors that correlate to its growth. Avoid planting in waterlogged (water sitting on the soil surface or pooled in the bottom of the hole) or frozen (too hard to get the spade in) soil. Their water retention, consumption and leave shedding happens consistently throughout the seasons. Whether you are looking to broaden your interest or water your curiosities, this article serves you in the knowledge of punctually planting hedges. Problems When undertaking work on garden hedges check that there are no birds nesting, as it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being … However, for the best and fastest results, you should try to plant the hedge around mid-autumn. How To Plant Hedging Planting hedging is a very easy, job which you can do yourself. November is generally the best time to plant; however, if you are planting into clay soils wait until March. Again, it does not matter if they are deciduous or evergreen at this stage as they are eager to grow and require spring weather to do it. Evergreens, especially, are often sold as root-wrapped, where the roots are in a soil ball contained by a fabric casing. Prune them for a formal display, or leave them to their own devices for an unassuming hedgerow. You’re not going to find just a collection of basic articles about gardening here. Hedges might need shelter in their initial years on exposed sites. RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. Small hedge plants are often called whips and are about 60cm (2ft) high. Bare rooted plants need watering well so prepare your box plants by submerging their roots in a bucket of water. .membership-promo { background-image: none !important } Soils that become waterlogged in winter may require a permanent drainage system. Hedging plants are often supplied as bare-root specimens, which are usually inexpensive. The trick is knowing the kind of hedge you’d like to plant, its stage of growth as well as soil and seasonal factors that correlate to its growth. The cheapest way to plant a hedge is to plant bare-root plants in the dormant season, between November and February. Hedges might take three to seven years to attain their desired size. Whilst instant hedging is a fantastic immediate solution, it’s not the only way to achieve a tall hedge quickly. To prepare the soil, dig a strip 60-90cm wide and one spade blade deep. They’re cheaper than fencing, easy to plant and can form an attractive boundary around your garden and structure within it. These can planted at any time of the year. Root-balled shrubs are mature plants that have strong, established roots with a soil-bowl base. RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected They wind up being cheaper that containerized shrubs because the maintenance and nourishment of their early stage development have been accounted for. Although easy-going, optimal planting of these shrubs would be during spring between March and April. Hedges planted in the autumn and winter have a longer time to get their roots established in the soil while the soil is moist and will need less watering, if any at all, in the summer months - so this is a good time to plant if you are not able to water your newly planted hedging plants. Even though its growth can be best defined as slow to medium, it can attain a good height, and has to be pruned once in a while. Copyright text 2021 by Robinson Love Plants. Hedge plants are cheap, easy to plant and form an attractive boundary more quickly than many gardeners imagine. Discover how to plant a bare-root hedge. The best time to grow yew hedges would be March-April or September-October. If your hedges are well accustomed by this method of protraction, it goes without saying that their growth potential and overall quality will increase significantly. Their energy will be slow-releasing but efficient which will make their adaption to their new planting grounds more effective. Evergreen and semi-evergreen hedges: Early autumn is ideal for hedging plants such as box, privet (semi-evergreen) and yew. Hedges can be planted in the UK at almost any time of the year. This plant bears vibrant berries during the autumn and produces white fragrant flowers during the summers. Optimal time for deciduous planting in the UK would be between January and March. Removal of wrapping is still recommended, though. 020 3176 5800 Additionally, some experts recommend hard pruning in late winter. The 5 Best Hedges The following shrubs have stood the test of time and merit recognition as 5 of the best for hedging. Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. To those in the know, hedge work is artwork. Remove any … It is best to plant whips closely as they not only form a thick hedge, but compete with each other and so reduce the amount of trimming required. This gradual process ensures the ‘goldilocks’ (just right) temperature of soil in autumn. How and when to plant a hedge October is a perfect time to decide, order and plant bare-root hedging. Garden centres usually sell bare-root hedging plants root-wrapped in bundles of ten, or you can bulk order direct from nurseries. So, when is it best to cut back your hedges? As well as providing structure to the garden, they can be perfect for wildlife, and particularly nesting birds. Many hedging plants can be grown in this way, including beech, hornbeam and yew. Do not add organic matter to the bottom of the trench as it decomposes causing the shrub to sink. Hedges can be planted in the UK at almost any time of the year.