Looking to plant a Wildlife Garden Hedge? Plant a Hawthorn Hedging Hedgerow !
Looking to plant a Wildlife Garden Hedge? Look no further than a Hawthorn Hedging Hedgerow ! Hawthorn, also known as Crataegus monogyna (Latin name) or May Tree, Whitethorn or Quickthorn, is a popular choice for garden hedging due to its attractive features and benefits.
Hawthorn hedges are popular in the United Kingdom. They are known for their thick, dense leaves, delicate flowers, and fast growth. Hawthorn is one of the UK’s most popular deciduous hedging plants, thanks to its fragrant white blossoms around May time (this is why Hawthorn is often referred to as the May Tree) and rich red berries in the autumn. It’s not just a beautiful addition to gardens, but it also provides food and shelter for birds and mammals throughout the year.
Many gardeners appreciate the hawthorn’s ornamental charms and its value to wildlife, making it a popular choice for hedging.
Growth and Appearance: Hawthorn can be grown as a tree or a hedge. As hedges, they form a dense boundary that blossoms and supports wildlife. They make thick, dense, thorny boundary hedges that grow very quickly.
Seasonal Interest: Hawthorn hedges feature white blossom in spring and red berries in the autumn. The white blossom gives off a lovely, delicate fragrance and is very popular with bees.
Wildlife Support: Hawthorn hedging is vital to birds and other UK wildlife. It supports over 150 species of insects and is an important source of food for birds.
Planting and Care: Hawthorns are best planted when dormant, from autumn to spring, as bare-root trees or at any time of year as cell grown hedging plants. They do not need much aftercare or pruning, unless you’re growing them as part of a hedge.
Location: Hawthorns are fully hardy, so they will suit most garden locations. Ideally, plant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Propagation: The best method of propagating hawthorns is from seed, saved from the haws or berries or alternatively buy cell grown hawthorn saplings here.
Looking to plant a Wildlife Garden Hedge? Hawthorn Hedging Hedgerow makes a wonderful wildlife friendly hedge. .Please note that while hawthorns grow quickly and form a dense boundary, they are not suitable as formal hedges due to their vigorous growth habit. Yew Hedging, Box, Privet, Beech or Hornbeam would be preferable as a formal hedge. However, the Hawthorn shoots can be kept under control if they are neatly pruned twice a year.
For a full range of hedging saplings ready for planting now please visit our Hedging Saplings & Plants section.
