Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is probably the most common native, British hedging species. It does particularly well in most soils, excepting very wet soils and equally copes with all sites with the exception of dense shade. Hawthorn is fairly fast-growing, adding approximately 45cm (1ft 6in) of new growth in a year. During Spring, hawthorn comes into leaf, followed shortly afterwards by a attractive display of white scented blossom. In Autumn, amazing displays of red-berries appear which are also attractive to birds. We recommend trimming shortly after flowering or in Autumn. Hawthorn is quite often found as one of a number of native species in a hedging mix, these typically including; Blackthorn, Hazel, Dog Rose, Elder and Crab Apple, but there is no reason why it cannot be planted as a pure Hawthorn hedge. An attractive hedging species because it forms a dense, spiny hedge which produces masses of small white flowers before the leaves in spring, and secondly, because it produces large numbers of juicy fruits called drupes in Autumn. The fruits are commonly known as sloes and in despite their succulent appearance are far too bitter for human consumption, except as a flavouring in home-made liqueurs.
Please use the Fastest-Growing Hedging League Table at the bottom of this description to compare Hawthorn Hedging against other hedging types.
Benefits of using our plug plant trees
Our Hawthorn hedging trees are sold as plug plants, in other words the roots are encased in compost. This means that planting can be carried out at any time of the year, provided they are watered in periods of drought, compared to bare-root plants which can only be planted during the plants normal dormant period (November to March). All of these trees are UK grown, which is important for successful establishment.
Wholesale Tree Prices
We will be more than happy to provide quotations on the supply of quantities of 500 or more trees. Please email us at info@trees-online.co.uk
How many Blackthorn hedging trees do I need?
We recommend planting 6 plants per metre, so this pack of 100 trees will cover a distance of 16.7m. This is called a double staggered row hedge and makes a very effective screen. How this works is that first you mark out your where your hedge is going. Use a tape measure and make a mark at every metre spot, spray paint is a good idea. Plant one Hawthorn tree at each metre point. When this is complete, plant an additional two trees in between the first ones. In doing this you have three Hawthorn per metre. The second line of the hedge is really a repeat of the first. Make this approximately 25cm (10in) from the first line. With the second hedge line, simply plant a tree at the mid-point between those in the first.
Rabbit and Deer ProtectionWe offer a range of tree shelters that will protect your hedging trees against possible attack. Click on this Tree Protection Link and it will take you to all of these products.
Fastest-Growing Hedging League Table
Use this to compare the compare the yearly growth of Hawthorn hedging against other hedging types
Species Yearly Height Growth *
*Height growth is approximate
Cider Gum (Eucalyptus) - Evergreen 1m (3ft 4in) and 3m (10ft)
Leylandii (Cupressus Leylandii) - Evergreen 75cm (2ft 6in) to 90cm (3ft)
Cedar (Thuja plicata) - Evergreen 45cm (1ft 6in) to 60cm (2ft)
Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 60cm (2ft)
Lawsons Cypressus (Cypressus lawsoniana) - Evergreen 60cm (2ft)
Rose (Rosa) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 60cm (2ft)
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetii) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 45cm (1ft 6in)
Dogwood (Cornus) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 45cm (1ft 6in)
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 45cm (1ft 6in)
Evergreen Barberry (Berberis darwinii) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica) -Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea') - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Elder (Sambucus nigra) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Hazel (Coryllus avellana) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Privet (ligustrum ovalifolium) - Semi-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) - Non-evergreen 25cm (10in) to 30cm (1ft)
Oak (Quercus ilex) - Evergreen 25cm (10in) to 30cm (1ft)
Yew (Taxus baccata) - Evergreen 25cm (10in) to 30cm (1ft)
Box (Buxus sempervirens) - Evergreen 15cm (6in)
