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New hedge

pottering girlpottering girl Posts: 227
in Plants

Hi,

Just planning my new hedge for October planting, I have a new house, completely open on all sides.  Have decided to go for hawthorn/privet mix which are fairly fast growing. What is the best size to get balance between fullness (at bottom) and height.  I have been quoted for 1.5m but worried they will be really straggly and I have heard that smaller plants will overtake more mature plants as their roots develop better.  All inputs appreciated.

Posts

  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,058

    I think any size you go for will look a bit disappointing on planting; hedges are not an instant thing. I dont know anything about privet, but my hedge is 50% hawthorn and they were 50 or 60 cm on arrival. Its really full and thick now at 3 years old. It grows fast and knits together really well, so its a great choice, but on arrival bare root plants are just twigs. 

  • pottering girlpottering girl Posts: 227

    Yes, thanks, I am thinking it will look disappointing and I will be desperate for some cover as my garden is completely open on two sides.   

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,097

    About 3 feet (90 cm) would be the best size to get. They establish well at that height, and if you prepare the site well before planting them, they'll grow well even in the first year. Big plants, even hedging whips of vigorous growers, are harder to get going. 

    If you're worries about the openness of the site ( I understand that only too well) you could erect a simple fence of posts and chicken wire, or similar, and plant behind or in front of it. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • pottering girlpottering girl Posts: 227

    Thanks fairygirl, that's what I wanted to know.  90 cm.  We have a wire and post fence behind the planting.  The soil is really good and I am great at deep watering so hopefully it will take off...

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,097

    Sounds ideal - mulch well after watering too, if you can. A liquid seaweed feed is beneficial for hedging plants during the growing season. If  you can get well rotted manure and compost worked into the site  before planting, that will also get the whips off to a good start.

    I use bone meal to encourage root growth on new hedging - that, and the manure/compost is really all they'll need till the following spring/summer after planting. Plus watering if you have long dry spells, although most areas of the UK will have enough of that over autumn and winter image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • pottering girlpottering girl Posts: 227

    Thanks again Fairygirl.  

    PS I think I might have just reported your post- hit wrong button soz.......

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