Choose the Perfect Native Hedging Plants
The perfect native hedge starts with the right plants.
Native hedges have many benefits. They can provide shelter and food to wildlife or create a beautiful backdrop in gardens.
The success of your hedge is determined by factors such as the growth rate, type of soil, and climate.
We’ll explore the advantages of native plants and the factors to take into consideration when choosing the right plant.
Native Hedging Mixes Popular
Our range of mixed native hedge mixes includes Field Wildlife Native Hedging (also known as Field Wildlife Native Hedging), Garden Wildlife Native Hedging (also known as Garden Wildlife Native Hedging), Thornless Native Hedging (also called Horse Safe Native Hegding), Pot Grown Native Hedging (also known Green and Purple Beech Hedging mix), Countryside Stewardship – B11 Native Hedge, and more.
Native Hedges: Benefits and Uses
Native hedges are able to support diverse wildlife.
The basic conservation hedge mix consists primarily of hawthorn, supplemented with approximately five other varieties. This provides a haven for hundreds of species ranging from insects, birds, and small mammals.
Hawthorn hedges, for example, provide nesting and roosting shelter, while their fruits are an important food source for birds during winter.
Native hedges are not only ecologically beneficial, but they also have a beautiful aesthetic value. Mixing plants in the right way can add year-round appeal to your garden.
Imagine a hedge decorated with bright red berries and white flowers in the Spring and lush green leaves during the summer. Native hedging plants have vibrant colors and textures that can enhance the beauty of any garden.
Selecting Native Hedge Species: Factors to consider
It’s important to think about the purpose of your hedge when selecting native plants.
You can use it as a border to create privacy or a habitat for wildlife. It’s important to choose plants that will help you achieve your goals. Each species has its unique growth patterns and benefits.
Also, you need to take into account the site conditions, such as soil types, climate, and sunlight exposure. Hawthorn, for example, is a resilient plant that can survive in a variety of climates. It can also withstand temperatures below -20degC and cold winds.
You can increase the chances of your native hedge flourishing and achieving its purpose by choosing plants well-suited to the conditions in your garden.
Native Hedge Plants in UK Gardens
After we have covered native hedges’ benefits and the factors to be considered when choosing plants for garden borders, let’s look at ten native plants that are perfect for UK gardens.
Included in this group are hazel, dogwoods, blackthorns, box hedges, hollies, and purple or copper beechs.
Most soils are ideal for creating a diverse native hedge because each plant has its unique benefits and characteristics.
Hawthorn – The Classic Choice
Hawthorn is the quintessential UK native hedge plant. It has thorny, dense branches and is able to support hundreds of wildlife species.
When planting a hedge, it is important to dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Also, make sure the hedge has enough water.
To encourage new growth, pruning should be done in the late winter or early Spring.
Hawthorn, with its strong nature and wildlife-friendly qualities, is a great choice for native hedges.
Hazel is a fast-growing option.
Hazel Hedge can be a good choice if you are looking for a native plant that grows quickly.
In a few short years, its vigorous growth can reach heights up to 10 feet. Hazel offers privacy, flexibility, and wildlife value.
Consider the type of soil, climate, and sunlight exposure when planting hazel to ensure optimal growth.
Hazel’s rapid growth and many benefits make it a great choice for UK gardens.
Beech: Glossy foliage and Autumn Colour
Green Beech and Copper or Purple Beech are popular native hedge plants due to their glossy foliage and autumnal color. They also support many wildlife species.
The leaves of this plant change from vibrant green to coppery bronze in the fall, adding visual interest throughout the year to your garden.
The beech tree is also a fast-growing species, which makes it perfect for privacy and screening.
Beech trees are a great choice for UK gardens because of their aesthetically pleasing leaves and ability to support wildlife.
Blackthorn is dense and wildlife-friendly
Blackthorn Hedging can be planted in a variety of positions, depending on the sun exposure. It is ideal for wildlife gardens and hedgerows.
The thorny branches protect nesting birds, while the white blossoms in Spring attract pollinating insects.
Blackthorn is a great addition to native hedges because it attracts a variety of wildlife.
Dogwood: Winter Beauty & Wildlife Attraction
Dogwood hedges can be a great way to add winter interest to a native hedge.
The vibrant, gleaming stems of this plant will liven up your hedge in the winter months.
Dogwood is not only beautiful, but it also provides food for small mammals and birds.
Dogwood is a popular native plant in the UK because it combines winter beauty and wildlife value.
Holly: Festive Charm & Bird Shelter
English Holly Hedging provides a festive look and is also a bird refuge.
The evergreen nature of this native hedge provides interest all year round and winter cover.
Holly is loved by hedgehogs and birds alike, as well as pollinating insects.
Holly is an excellent addition to native hedges because of its festive appeal and ability to shelter birds.
Hornbeam: Serrated and Tough Leaves
The hornbeam hedge offers a diverse range of growing conditions and is an excellent native plant for wildlife habitat.
The dense foliage provides a nesting area for wildlife, and the leaves of this plant remain through winter. This shelters and protects garden wildlife in colder months.
Hornbeam can also withstand poor conditions, such as windy areas or clay soils.
Hornbeam is a good choice for UK gardens because of its toughness and ability to support wildlife.
Guelder Rose: Berries for Seasonal Interest
Guelder Rose Hedge is also known as Viburnum opulus. It’s a deciduous hedge species with a white, fragrant lace-cap flower in Spring and large, ornate, green leaves that turn crimson in autumn.
Guelder Rose is a large, red cluster of berries with a juicy taste that birds love.
Planting and caring for your native hedge
Let’s look at eight of the best native hedge plants in UK gardens.
Most soils are ideal for a diverse native hedge because each plant has its unique benefits and characteristics.
Proper planting techniques are essential, as is regular feeding and watering, as well as timely shaping and pruning.
Following the best practices in each of these areas will ensure that your native hedge flourishes and is a beautiful, functional, and attractive part of your garden.
Planting Techniques
It’s important to use the right planting technique in order to create a healthy native hedge. Slit planting is most effective for native Hedging of 60/80 cm or less. Plants should be spaced 45cm apart (18in) in each row. In a double-row, the spacing should be 30cm (12in). This will result in a thick and lush hedge.
It’s also important to plant native hedges during the best planting season. Autumn and winter are the best time to plant native hedge plants. This allows them to establish their roots before the growing season starts.
Watering and Feeding
Watering your native hedge is essential to its success. Water your newly planted native hedge plants thoroughly with 5-10 liters once or twice per week. It is better to water deeply and frequently than just lightly. This will help the roots grow stronger.
Hedges do not need to be watered anymore once they are established.
Pruning and Shaping
It is important to shape and prune your native hedge in order to maintain its desired size and shape and promote healthy growth. It is best to prune in late summer and cut the branches at a slight angle to allow for light to reach lower branches.
Avoid pruning in the Spring and summer as it can disturb nesting birds, wildlife, and other species. You can maintain the health of your native hedge by following the proper techniques for shaping and pruning.
How to Create a Mixed Native Hedge
A mixed native hedge is a mixture of native plants that offers a variety of benefits, including shelter, food, and nesting areas for wildlife.
You can choose from a variety of hedging mixtures, such as Field Wildlife Hedging Mixes, Garden Wildlife Hedging Mixes, Horse Safe Hedging Mixes, and Thornless Mixed Hedges.
You can create a diverse, lush native hedge by selecting complementary species and using optimal planting arrangements. This will support wildlife conservation efforts.
UK Native Hedging Mixes
Our UK native hedge mixes are the easiest way to create a new native fence. Pre-mixed with a variety of high-quality native plants.
Complementary Species
It’s important to take into account the characteristics and growth habits of each species as well as site conditions when selecting complementary species for a mixed native hedge.
You can create a mixed native hedge by choosing plants that will thrive and are compatible with the environment.
Plant spacing and distances
It’s important to plant the right way in order to create a visually pleasing mixed native hedge.
Plant trees and shrubs staggered in double rows, 30cm (12ins) apart. The plants should be 45cm (1.8 inches) apart. This will create a dense, lush fence that offers wildlife plenty of shelter and nesting areas.
The ground beneath the hedge should be kept free of weeds until the plants have cast enough shade. This will prevent the growth of weeds in thicker hedges in the future.
Instant Mixed Native Hedging
Mixed native hedges are a combination of native plants that create a diverse habitat for wildlife. Instant Hedging is a method of quickly making a mixed native fence using pre-grown plants.
Convenience is one of the advantages of Instant Mixed Hedging. The plants come pre-grown and can be installed quickly.
Instant hedges require less maintenance than traditional hedge planting since the plants have already been established. This reduces the risk of plant death and the need to replace the plants.
Instant Hedging creates a hedge with immediate aesthetic and functional benefits.
It is perfect for anyone looking to create a wildlife-friendly border or an eye-catching garden feature.
Supporting Wildlife Conservation
A mixed native hedge of complementary species will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your garden but will also support wildlife conservation efforts.
You can create a native hedge by selecting species that are attractive to wildlife. Deciduous trees and evergreen shrubs will attract a variety of animals.
You can also include plants that spread, such as honeysuckle, wild rose, and bramble, to provide shelter and food for wildlife.
You can read more about it here:
Native hedge plants are a great addition to UK gardens. They can provide year-round beauty and wildlife habitat and serve as an attractive and functional barrier.
You can create a diverse, thriving native hedgerow by carefully choosing the right plants, using proper planting techniques, and taking care of your native hedge. This will enhance your garden while supporting local wildlife.
Why not create your native hedge to see the amazing benefits it can bring to your garden?
