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Barefoot Hedging

Colin McMColin McM Posts: 1
in Tools and techniques

Hi there,

I'm about to plant a bare root thorn and dog rose hedge. The plants come as 2ft ish whips and I'll be cutting off at 6 inches from the base once planted. 

A - is this the right height to cut at to establish a thick hedge?

B - can I save / use the top parts which I assume are generally discarded?

Thanks,

C.

Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Third rock from the sunPosts: 35,498

    Hi Colin. Happy New Year to you. I assume that you are planting a staggered double row? It is always worth a try - nothing ventured, nothing gained.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,687

    It all depends on the types of plants you are planting. At 2ft, I don't think there is any need to cut anything off on a bare root dog rose. They are fast growers and their habit is to scramble. But if you did cut it down, that's fine too, but I think 2ft height is just about right for that plant. Keep the spacings to around 30-40cm apart. Or if you go for the staggered row, a little further apart.

  • KT53KT53 GloucestershirePosts: 7,535

    If you're planting a hedge with thorns I wouldn't do it barefoot. image

  • Papi JoPapi Jo Brittany, France Posts: 3,703

    KT53 image

    You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French).
  • KT53KT53 GloucestershirePosts: 7,535

    Sorry Papi Jo.  Couldn't resist. image

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