Whitethorn Hedging Plants

Description

Features of Whitethorn Hedging Plants / Hawthorn Hedging

Whitethorn hedging plants, also known as Hawthorn hedging are Fast growing, traditional thorny hedging. These plants are traditionally used in agricultural setting on farms etc as it is robust and provides a valuable stock proofing mechanism. Whitethorns are an incredibly popular plant due to their flowering properties. In spring the Whitethorn plants produce scented white flowers, and these are followed by dark red berries in the Autumn. Whitethorn is a fast growing hedge and can grow up to 3 feet in any year. Whitethorn hedging also takes trimming well and are cut and maintained during Winter months.

Biodiversity and the benefits of Planting Native hedging plants.

Whitethorn hedging encourages wildlife and birds, due to its flowering and fruiting properties. Scented White flowers appear during the Spring, followed by glossy red berries in late Autumn. The scented white flowers attract nature’s pollinator, the bees and the red berries are a stable food source for birds and other small animals in Autumn.

It is a valuable addition to the ecosystems of any area. The thorny nature provides a valuable environment for nesting birds, keeping them safe from predators. The ecological benefits  can be further enhanced by including additional native hedging plants such as Spindle, Hazel, Guelder Rose and Crab.

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.

Whitethorn Hedging Plants for the Domestic setting.

Whitethorn and native hedging is increasingly becoming a popular option for domestic hedging. Homeowners are becoming increasingly conscious of enhancing, protecting and preserving ecosystems and the environment.

Properties of the Whitethorn hedging plants – Crataegus monogyna:

Properties that make it such an attractive option for a domestic garden include:

1.fast growing,

2.can be cut back to encourage new growth,

3.flowers in Spring and early Summer,

4.berries in early Autumn through Winter

5. provides dense cover

6. economically attractive.

How & When to plant Whitethorn Hedging Plants – Crataegus monogyna.

• A Whitethorn hedge plant is Suitable for most soil types, but it is recommended to avoid very wet soil.
• It is often planted 5 plants per metre in a staggered double row, to provide a dense bushy hedge or 3 plants per metre in a single row in a domestic environment.
• It thrives well when mixed with other species of native hedging such as Guelder Rose, Spindle, Crab, Holly, Hazel and even Green Beech.
• Adding Green Beech or even Green Privet to a native hedge provide impact during Winter months.
• A native mixed hedge can be planted in ratio of 90:10 or 75:25, depending on personal preference. 90% Whitethorn and 10% native plants or 75% Whitethorn and 25% Native plants.
• 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, lay plastic to prevent weeds from growing up through and then placing a layer of chippings over the plastic to keep it secure.
• 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 plastic 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.

Properties of Whitethorn Hedging Plants – Crataegus monogyna

Type: Fast Growing, usually up to 3 feet per year
Soil: Most soil types, except wet.
Status: Hardy in cold weather
Position: Sun or light shade
Flowering: Scented White flowers in May, glossy red berries in Autumn

You can view our guide to planting bare root hedging plants by Clicking here.