Hedging Plants by Species

How to choose hedging by species

To browse the complete range without filtering, view all hedging plants here. The FAQs below cover the species comparisons buyers make most often: laurel vs beech,photinia as a hedging choice, and mixing species in a single hedge.

What is the most common hedging plant in UK gardens?

The most common hedging plants in UK gardens are Cherry Laurel, Privet, Leylandii and Hawthorn. Cherry Laurel dominates privacy hedging. Privet suits formal, low-maintenance boundaries. Hawthorn leads native and wildlife hedging because of its berries, thorns and ecological value.

Is Photinia a good hedging plant?

Photinia makes an excellent hedging plant. Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' ranks among the most widely planted hedging varieties in the UK, producing vivid red new growth in spring, dense evergreen coverage year-round and reliable performance across most UK garden soils and aspects.

What is the difference between green beech and copper beech for hedging?

The difference between green beech and copper beech for hedging is that green beech produces fresh green leaves in spring that turn golden-brown in autumn; both colours bring seasonal interest. Copper beech carries deep purple-bronze foliage throughout the growing season, providing a stronger colour contrast in the garden. Both species are deciduous but retain their dried leaves through winter, giving year-round structure and privacy.

Can I mix different species in the same hedge?

Yes, you can mix different species in the same hedge, which works well and can deliver greater wildlife value than single-species planting. A native mix combining Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel and Dog Rose provides varied food sources, nesting sites and seasonal interest across the year, and supports a significantly broader range of species than any single-species hedge.