Description
Our native hedging plants pack includes a mix of the following plants : Spindle, Hazel, Crab Apple, Guelder Rose, Blackthorn, Field Maple & Prunus Padus.
Features of Native Hedge Plants
Native hedging plants are Fast growing, flowering and fruiting plants that are vital for our ecosystems and the stability of biodiversity. These plants are traditionally used mixed in with native Whitethorn hedging plants to form a robust and dense structure that immensely benefits wildlife, birds, bees and mammals.
Biodiversity and the benefits of Planting Native hedge plants.
Whitethorn and native hedge plants encourage wildlife and birds, due to its flowering and fruiting properties. Flowers appear during the Spring, often followed by berries or fruits in late Autumn provide a valuable food source for many birds, mammals and wildlife. The often scented flowers attract nature’s pollinator, the bees and the berries or fruits are a stable food source for birds and other small animals in Autumn.
It is a valuable addition to the ecosystems of any area. When mixed into a Whitethorn hedge, The overall thorny nature provides a valuable environment for nesting birds, keeping them safe from predators.
Native mixed hedgerows are fast growing and bountiful with flowers and fruits therefore assisting in supplying nature’s pollinators with valuable sources of nectar. The presence of pollinating bees in Whitethorn hedges can increase crop yields for farmers.
1.fast growing,
2.can be cut back to encourage new growth,
3.flowers in Spring and early Summer,
4.berries or fruits in early Autumn through Winter
5. provides dense cover and protection from predators
6. economically attractive.
How & When to plant Native Hedge Plants
- Native hedge plants are Suitable for most soil types, but it is recommended that you avoid very wet soil.
- It is often planted 6 plants per metre in a staggered double row, to provide a dense bushy hedge or 4 plants per metre in a single row.
- It is sold as bare root plants from November through to March, the bare root planting season.
- After planting, it is advisable to cut it back to about 12 inches, to prevent weeds from growing up through, place a layer of chippings or even organic bark mulch around the base of the plants. This keeps down the weeds and also helps keep in the moisture.
- Cutting back the plants encourages growth in the base of the plants therefore creating a thicker, bushier, more robust hedge.
- However, if planting in the absence of mulch and chippings, leave the plants for one year, and cut back the following year when the plant is more established to allow the hedge to thicken up.
- Pruning should then be carried out in dormant period during the Winter months. Always consider nesting birds when pruning hedges.
You can view our guide to planting bare root hedging plants by Clicking here.
