Garden Hedge Plants

Hedging Adds Pizzazz, Privacy & Wildlife to a Garden

Hedges come in all shapes, sizes and forms and are the perfect mix of beauty, versatility and wildlife-friendliness. Whether you want something big or small, formal or informal, there are hedging plants to define your garden space. From evergreen Portuguese Laurel to vibrant Red Robin – allowing us all to create customised garden landscapes that will last for years!

A Living Alternative to Fencing

Hedges aren’t just pretty faces—think of them as the multitaskers of the garden world. They’re often more affordable than traditional fencing, surprisingly easy to plant, and create attractive, natural boundaries that add structure within your garden. Plus, they’re a real boon for wildlife, offering food, shelter and corridors for birds, insects, and small mammals.

But that’s just scratching the surface. Here’s why planting a hedge is such a brilliant idea:

So, as you plan your garden, remember: hedging isn’t just about marking a boundary—it’s about adding value, supporting nature, and shaping a space that’s truly your own.

Woolpit Nurseries‘ have a selection of hedging plants ready-to-plant along with a wide range of shrubs, perennials, roses, Italian shrubs and fruit trees, so you can mix and match to create the perfect garden. Just remember: be patient and these small shrubs will grow into beautiful boundary markers for many years to come.

Hedge Plants at Woolpit Nurseries

Here are some of the hedging plants we stock at Woolpit Nurseries. Laurel, Leylandii, Copper beech, Thuja Cypress, Portugese laurel, Privet, Red robin, Yew.
NOTE: Our selection changes with customer demand. Visit us at Woolpit Nurseries to explore what’s in stock! No online sales—shop in person.

Types of Hedging Plants Available

When planning your hedge, it helps to understand the different ways hedging plants are supplied. At Woolpit Nurseries, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your garden’s needs and your timeline:

• Potted Hedging Plants: These are grown in containers, making them easy to plant at any time of year. Because their roots remain undisturbed, they tend to establish themselves quickly—as long as you remember to keep them watered. You can plant them immediately or hold off for a bit if you’re not quite ready.
• Bare Root Hedging Plants: These are supplied without soil around the roots—a traditional and cost-effective way to buy hedging. Best planted between November and late April, while the plants are dormant, bare root specimens should go into the ground within a few days of arrival for the best results.
• Instant Hedging Plants: For the impatient gardener (no shame here!), instant hedging means you can achieve that lush, established boundary right away. These have been grown and clipped into dense, metre-long sections—just plant them and enjoy immediate impact.

Whether you want to nurture your hedge from its first sprout or crave instant coverage, there’s a format for every garden and every level of patience.

Mixed Native Hedging for a Rustic Appeal

If you’re dreaming of a more traditional, countryside look, mixed native hedging is a fantastic choice for achieving that natural, rustic hedgerow effect. Combining varieties like hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, dogwood, and field maple can create an informal boundary full of seasonal interest—think spring blossom, autumn berries, and colourful leaves.

Native mixes not only blend beautifully with the landscape, but also offer fantastic support for local wildlife, attracting birds, pollinators, and small mammals into your garden. For the best results, plant a blend of these species for a dense, wildlife-friendly screen that will thrive with minimal fuss and reward you with changing scenes throughout the year.

Why Choose Potted Hedging Plants?

Potted hedging plants offer an easy, flexible option for gardeners of all experience levels. Because they’re grown in containers, these plants come with fully developed root systems—meaning no root disturbance when you plant them out. You can plant potted hedging at any time of year, so there’s no need to wait for a particular season.

What’s more, these hedging plants usually settle in faster and tend to thrive from the get-go, making them a great choice if you’re keen for quick results. If you’re not quite ready to plant, simply keep them well watered in their pots until planting day—no rush! With a bit of planning (and regular watering), potted hedging makes it easy to get your green boundary growing just how you want it.

Tips on Choosing the Perfect Plants for Your Hedge

Creating a hedge for your garden is an exciting project that will add beauty and character to your outdoor space. When making this important decision, be sure to choose the type of hedge shrubs that best fits with both your lifestyle and local conditions – evergreen or deciduous? Formal or informal? Then take into account factors such as space, soil condition, height requirements and maintenance needed each year after it’s established!

If you’re not sure which species to choose, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many gardeners wonder which hedge will thrive best in their plot. Consider what you want from your hedge: do you need privacy, wind protection, a splash of year-round greenery, or a wildlife-friendly boundary? It can help to group potential hedge plants by their key traits—toughness, growth rate, flowering potential, or suitability for shaping.

Still feeling unsure? Pop by Woolpit Nurseries to chat with our team. We’re always happy to help you work out which hedging varieties will suit your garden’s needs and your personal style. With guidance and a bit of inspiration, you’ll discover the perfect hedge plants to transform your outdoor space.