Hedge Selecting Guide

Use this table to help select the most suitable instant hedge for your project.  Elveden Instant Hedge is available in heights ranging from 1m to 1.8m high and is approx 50cm deep.

SpeciesLatinFoliagePruningAnnual growthAspectSoil acceptancepHLeaves
BoxBuxus sempervirensEvergreenJune to AugustSlow 5-15cmSun to shadeAll well drainedNeutral to alkalineSmall, shiny dark green. New growth is light green
HornbeamCarpinus betulusDeciduousOnce in July or AugustFast 30-40cmSun to partial shadeAll except the poorestNeutral to slightly acidicDark green turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Common BeechFagus sylvaticaDeciduousOnce in AugustSlow 15-30cmSun to shadeAll except dryAcidic to alkalineGreen turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Purple BeechFagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’DeciduousOnce in AugustSlow 10-30cmSun to shadeAll except dryAcidic to alkalineGreen-purple turning red-brown. Often remain into spring
HollyIlex aquifolium Evergreen Once in August Slow 5-15cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkalineThorny, shiny dark green that are pale green underneath
Holm OakQuercus ilex Evergreen Once in August Medium 20-30cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkalineGlossy, dark green, pale underneath; spiny when young
Oval Leaf PrivetLigustrum ovalifoliumSemi-evergreenRegularly in SummerFast 40-60cmSun to partial shadeAll well drainedSlightly acidic to alkalineMid-dark green on top and yellow-green underneath
Red RobinPhotinia fraseriEvergreenRegularly in SummerFast 30-40cmSun to partial shadeAll well drainedAcidic to alkalineShiny dark green. New shoots are crimson-red
Common LaurelPrunus laurocerasusEvergreenOnce in July or AugustFast 30-40cmSun to shadeAll except shallow chalkNeutral to slightly acidicLarge shiny green. Thick and leathery
Portuguese LaurelPrunus lusitanicaEvergreenOnce in AugustSlow 20-30cmSun to shadeAll except the poorestAcidic to alkalineOvate and dark green
YewTaxus baccataEvergreen Once in August Slow 5-20cm Sun to shade All except peat Slightly acidic to alkalineShiny dark green needles that are pale green underneath
Native Mix (Hazel, Blackthorn,  Hornbeam, Dogwood, Hawthorn and Alder Buckthorn)not applicableDeciduousOnce in JulyFast 30-40cmSun to partial shadeAll except the poorestNeutral to  slightly acidicVarious
Elveden Instant Hedge

Instant Hedge growing at Elveden