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White Cedar Instant Hedge

Thuja occidentalis Instant Hedge

White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’) produces a dense, evergreen hedge. The leaves are an attractive light green that can take on a subtle bronze colour in the winter months.

A popular alternative to Leylandii hedging, as it is slower growing but still provides a dense, evergreen, conifer hedge. In addition, Thuja can be hard pruned, and the old wood will regenerate, whereas Leylandii will go brown and die off.

This mature evergreen screen grows well in most conditions but prefers moist, nutrient-full soil.

A White Cedar Hedge is relatively slow growing (20 – 30 cm/year) and will need pruning once a year, preferably in late Summer.

This hedge is currently available at 1.6/1.8m and 1.8m high as Practical Instant Hedge™

White Cedar Instant Hedge

White Cedar Instant Hedge

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

White Cedar Instant Hedge 1.8m high

White Cedar Instant Hedge growing at the nursery in Iver

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis Evergreen Late Summer Slow20-30cm Sun to shade Most soil types Acidic to alkaline Scaly light green
Privet Instant Hedge

Privet Instant Hedge

Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a vigorous shrub that is a popular choice for instant hedging, particularly in suburban areas. The shiny semi-evergreen leaves of a Privet Instant Hedge are oval, pointed and somewhat leathery. They are mid-dark green and yellow-green underneath.

A Privet Instant Hedge likes any well-drained soil including chalk. Privet should be planted in sun or part shade. It is tolerant of Coastal Conditions and copes very well with air pollution.

Privet has a fast growth rate (40 – 60 cm/year) and should be trimmed in regularly during the Summer months to maintain its shape.

We have Privet at 1.2/1.5 and 1.8/2m high available as a Practical Instant Hedge™, supplied in 1m long pieces.

Privet Instant Hedge

Privet Instant Hedge growing in the nursery

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Oval Leaf Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium Semi-evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast40-60cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Slightly acidic to alkaline Mid-dark green on top and yellow-green underneath
Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

A Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge will work well in any garden setting. Latin:  Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’ is a shrub that makes an attractive and compact evergreen hedge. The leaves are ovate and dark green. The hedges overall appearance is subtle, similar to Yew, unlike some of the lighter green showier Instant Hedges.

This Laurel Instant Hedge likes most soils including clay and unlike Common Laurel is also at home on shallow chalk. Portuguese Laurel can be planted in either sun or shade, but it dislikes wet ground.

Prunus lusitanica has an average growth rate (20 – 30 cm/year) and requires trimming once a year, preferably in August.

This Practical Instant Hedge™ in Portuguese Laurel is available at 1.2/1.5m,1.5/1.8m and 1.8/2m high.

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

1.5 – 1.8m high Practical Instant Hedge in production at our nursery in Iver.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Portuguese Laurel Prunus lusitanica Evergreen Once in August 20 – 30cm Sun to shade All except the poorest Acidic to alkaline Ovate and dark green
Photinia Instant Hedge

Photinia Instant Hedge

Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a shrub that makes a striking evergreen hedge because of its brilliant crimson-red glossy young leaves, which give a spectacular display in spring and summer before maturing to dark green. A Photinia Instant Hedge works well with warm planting schemes and where you would like the hedge to really stand out.

It develops clusters of small white flowers in mid and late spring, sometimes followed by red fruit – but it is the spring foliage that sets this hedging shrub apart.

This instant hedge will thrive in all well-drained soils including chalk. Position in sun or light shade and avoid frost pockets as Photinia is sensitive to frost.

Photinia Red Robin hedges grow quickly at about 30 to 40 cm per year; it responds well to pruning, so trim regularly to promote growth of the attractive new red shoots. during the growing season.

It is currently available as an easy to plant 1.2/1.4m, 1.6/1.8m and 1.8m high Practical Instant Hedge™.

Photinia Instant Hedge

1.4/1.6m high Photinia Instant Hedge in production at the nursery in Iver

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Red Robin Photinia fraseri Evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast30-40cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Shiny dark green. New shoots are crimson-red
Holly Instant Hedge

English Holly Instant Hedge

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium), the familiar evergreen shrub, creates a dense thorny barrier and makes a great hedge. The spiky leaves of this Instant Hedge are shiny dark green on top and lighter green underneath. Small insignificant white flowers in May/June are followed on female plants by bright red berries from September to early spring, which are attractive to wildlife.

This classic evergreen hedge will thrive in most well drained soils including clay. It is happy in either sun or shade but dislikes heat and drought.

Although slow growing (5 – 15 cm/year) a this hedge should be trimmed once a year, preferably in August.

This Practical Instant Hedge™ is currently available at 1.3 to 1.5m and 1.5 to 1.8m high.

Holly Instant Hedge

Holly Instant Hedge

Holly Hedge growing at the nursery

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

We also have Blue Holly (Ilex meserveae) available as an instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Holly Ilex aquifolium Evergreen Once in August Slow5-15cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Thorny, shiny dark green that are pale green underneath
Box Instant Hedge

Box Instant Hedge

Box (Buxus sempervirens) is a traditional short evergreen hedge. It is typically used in formal garden designs, such as can be seen in Paul Hervey-Brookes’ garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show below. The leaves of a Box Instant Hedge are dark green, shiny and aromatic with the new growth being a vibrant bright green.

We have Box available at 60cm high (40cm wide) as a Practical Instant Hedge and 1.2m high as an Elveden Instant Hedge.

Box hedging requires a fertile, well drained soil with a warm location in sun or shade. Box is happy in most soils including chalk, providing there is adequate topsoil to maintain moisture and nutrients but avoid coastal locations as a Buxus hedge dislikes salt.

Although slow growing (10 – 15 cm/year) a Box hedge should be trimmed once a year, between June and August, or more often to maintain a formal shape.

Box Instant Hedge at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Paul Hervey-Brookes

Box Instant Hedge at the Chelsea Flower Show

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Box Buxus sempervirens Evergreen Once June to August Slow 10-15cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Dark green, shiny and aromatic. New growth is  bright green.
Purple Beech Instant Hedge

Purple Beech Instant Hedge

A Purple (also known as Copper) Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’) is very distinctive with its dark green/purple leaves turning red/brown in the autumn and often remaining throughout the winter months. It has been used by many designers, to create a stunning bespoke hedge.

This instant hedge is happy on most soils and thrives in chalk and is comfortable in either sun or shade but dislikes seaside or wet locations.

Purple Beech hedging is slow growing (10 – 30cm/year) and will need pruning once a year, preferably in August.

We have this Instant Hedge currently available at 1/1.2m and 1.5/1.8m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Purple Beech Instant Hedge

Purple Beech Instant Hedge

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

See news blog Purple Beech for New Build in Hockwold.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Purple Beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ Deciduous Once in August Slow10-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green-purple turning red-brown. Often remain into spring
Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix Instant Hedge contains plants that are all native to the UK and as such emulate traditional country hedgerows found throughout Britain.

Our Practical Native Mix generally contains roughly equal quantities of the following species: Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hornbeam, Hazel and Common Privet, and has been used in award-winning Show Gardens at RHS Flower Shows.

Mixed Native hedges create a natural look and contain a variety of colours and textures which provide a rich living collage for excellent seasonal interest from the early spring blossoms to fruits and berries in the autumn.  All kinds of wildlife will be attracted by the food and shelter opportunities.

Native hedging, by its very nature will thrive on most soil types and can be planted in all but the deepest of shade.  It will tend to grow quite quickly at some 20 – 40 cm per year and will require pruning once a year, ideally in July; it can be left un-pruned, when it will prove even more wildlife friendly.

This Practical Instant Hedge™ is available at 1/1.2m, 1.5/1.8m and 1.8/2m high.

Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix Instant Hedge

1.8/2m high Practical Instant Native Mix Hedge growing in Iver, Bucks.

Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix growing at our nursery in Iver

Mixed Native supplied in easy to plant 1m long hedge bags.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Native Mix n/a Deciduous Once in July Fast30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to  slightly acidic Various
Hornbeam Instant Hedge

Hornbeam Instant Hedge

Hornbeam Instant Hedge (Carpinus betulus) is a hardy, native, deciduous hedging plant. The prominently veined elliptical lime green leaves turn golden yellow-brown in the autumn and can remain into spring. The bright green leaves are stunning when they first come out. It’s green catkins appear in late spring whilst the autumn fruit are attractive to wildlife.  In the spring, summer and early autumn this makes a perfect mature hedge for keeping out noise and wind, as well as providing a a good level of screening.

Carpinus betulus hedging thrives in most soils including chalk, clay and damp conditions. Being tough and undemanding Hornbeam is happy in either sun or partial shade and can withstand exposed sites.

A Common Hornbeam hedge grows at a fast rate (30 – 40cm/year) and requires annual trimming in July or August.

We currently have this Instant Hedge available at 1.4/1.6m and 1.8m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Hornbeam Instant Hedge

Hornbeam Instant Hedge

1.6/1.8m high Practical Instant Hornbeam Hedge growing at our nursery here in Iver, Bucks.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Deciduous Once in July or August Fast30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to slightly acidic Lime green turning yellow-brown.
Hawthorn Instant Hedge

Hawthorn Instant Hedge

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a popular native deciduous hedging plant with dark green deeply lobed leaves.  A Hawthorn Instant Hedge’s thorns make it one of the best available for security.

A seasonally interesting deciduous hedge, that offers a shelter for wildlife. Crataegus monogyna hedge plants announce the arrival of spring, by coming into leaf within a few days of the initial buds appearing, followed by an abundant display of white scented blossom, and it forms red haws in autumn.

This Instant Hedge forms an impenetrable barrier, accepting most soil and can be planted in all but the deepest shade.

This native hedge grows quickly (20 – 40 cm/year) and requires pruning once a year, ideally in July.

Hawthorn is currently available at 1/1.2m and 1.5m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

1.5m high Hawthorn

1.5/1.8m high Practical Instant Hawthorn Hedge grown in easy to handle 1m long pieces.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

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White Cedar Instant Hedge

Thuja occidentalis Instant Hedge

White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’) produces a dense, evergreen hedge. The leaves are an attractive light green that can take on a subtle bronze colour in the winter months.

A popular alternative to Leylandii hedging, as it is slower growing but still provides a dense, evergreen, conifer hedge. In addition, Thuja can be hard pruned, and the old wood will regenerate, whereas Leylandii will go brown and die off.

This mature evergreen screen grows well in most conditions but prefers moist, nutrient-full soil.

A White Cedar Hedge is relatively slow growing (20 – 30 cm/year) and will need pruning once a year, preferably in late Summer.

This hedge is currently available at 1.6/1.8m and 1.8m high as Practical Instant Hedge™

White Cedar Instant Hedge

White Cedar Instant Hedge

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

White Cedar Instant Hedge 1.8m high

White Cedar Instant Hedge growing at the nursery in Iver

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis Evergreen Late Summer Slow20-30cm Sun to shade Most soil types Acidic to alkaline Scaly light green
Privet Instant Hedge

Privet Instant Hedge

Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a vigorous shrub that is a popular choice for instant hedging, particularly in suburban areas. The shiny semi-evergreen leaves of a Privet Instant Hedge are oval, pointed and somewhat leathery. They are mid-dark green and yellow-green underneath.

A Privet Instant Hedge likes any well-drained soil including chalk. Privet should be planted in sun or part shade. It is tolerant of Coastal Conditions and copes very well with air pollution.

Privet has a fast growth rate (40 – 60 cm/year) and should be trimmed in regularly during the Summer months to maintain its shape.

We have Privet at 1.2/1.5 and 1.8/2m high available as a Practical Instant Hedge™, supplied in 1m long pieces.

Privet Instant Hedge

Privet Instant Hedge growing in the nursery

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Oval Leaf Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium Semi-evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast40-60cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Slightly acidic to alkaline Mid-dark green on top and yellow-green underneath
Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

A Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge will work well in any garden setting. Latin:  Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’ is a shrub that makes an attractive and compact evergreen hedge. The leaves are ovate and dark green. The hedges overall appearance is subtle, similar to Yew, unlike some of the lighter green showier Instant Hedges.

This Laurel Instant Hedge likes most soils including clay and unlike Common Laurel is also at home on shallow chalk. Portuguese Laurel can be planted in either sun or shade, but it dislikes wet ground.

Prunus lusitanica has an average growth rate (20 – 30 cm/year) and requires trimming once a year, preferably in August.

This Practical Instant Hedge™ in Portuguese Laurel is available at 1.2/1.5m,1.5/1.8m and 1.8/2m high.

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge

1.5 – 1.8m high Practical Instant Hedge in production at our nursery in Iver.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Portuguese Laurel Prunus lusitanica Evergreen Once in August 20 – 30cm Sun to shade All except the poorest Acidic to alkaline Ovate and dark green
Photinia Instant Hedge

Photinia Instant Hedge

Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is a shrub that makes a striking evergreen hedge because of its brilliant crimson-red glossy young leaves, which give a spectacular display in spring and summer before maturing to dark green. A Photinia Instant Hedge works well with warm planting schemes and where you would like the hedge to really stand out.

It develops clusters of small white flowers in mid and late spring, sometimes followed by red fruit – but it is the spring foliage that sets this hedging shrub apart.

This instant hedge will thrive in all well-drained soils including chalk. Position in sun or light shade and avoid frost pockets as Photinia is sensitive to frost.

Photinia Red Robin hedges grow quickly at about 30 to 40 cm per year; it responds well to pruning, so trim regularly to promote growth of the attractive new red shoots. during the growing season.

It is currently available as an easy to plant 1.2/1.4m, 1.6/1.8m and 1.8m high Practical Instant Hedge™.

Photinia Instant Hedge

1.4/1.6m high Photinia Instant Hedge in production at the nursery in Iver

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Red Robin Photinia fraseri Evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast30-40cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Shiny dark green. New shoots are crimson-red
Holly Instant Hedge

English Holly Instant Hedge

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium), the familiar evergreen shrub, creates a dense thorny barrier and makes a great hedge. The spiky leaves of this Instant Hedge are shiny dark green on top and lighter green underneath. Small insignificant white flowers in May/June are followed on female plants by bright red berries from September to early spring, which are attractive to wildlife.

This classic evergreen hedge will thrive in most well drained soils including clay. It is happy in either sun or shade but dislikes heat and drought.

Although slow growing (5 – 15 cm/year) a this hedge should be trimmed once a year, preferably in August.

This Practical Instant Hedge™ is currently available at 1.3 to 1.5m and 1.5 to 1.8m high.

Holly Instant Hedge

Holly Instant Hedge

Holly Hedge growing at the nursery

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

We also have Blue Holly (Ilex meserveae) available as an instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Holly Ilex aquifolium Evergreen Once in August Slow5-15cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Thorny, shiny dark green that are pale green underneath
Box Instant Hedge

Box Instant Hedge

Box (Buxus sempervirens) is a traditional short evergreen hedge. It is typically used in formal garden designs, such as can be seen in Paul Hervey-Brookes’ garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show below. The leaves of a Box Instant Hedge are dark green, shiny and aromatic with the new growth being a vibrant bright green.

We have Box available at 60cm high (40cm wide) as a Practical Instant Hedge and 1.2m high as an Elveden Instant Hedge.

Box hedging requires a fertile, well drained soil with a warm location in sun or shade. Box is happy in most soils including chalk, providing there is adequate topsoil to maintain moisture and nutrients but avoid coastal locations as a Buxus hedge dislikes salt.

Although slow growing (10 – 15 cm/year) a Box hedge should be trimmed once a year, between June and August, or more often to maintain a formal shape.

Box Instant Hedge at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Paul Hervey-Brookes

Box Instant Hedge at the Chelsea Flower Show

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Box Buxus sempervirens Evergreen Once June to August Slow 10-15cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Dark green, shiny and aromatic. New growth is  bright green.
Purple Beech Instant Hedge

Purple Beech Instant Hedge

A Purple (also known as Copper) Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’) is very distinctive with its dark green/purple leaves turning red/brown in the autumn and often remaining throughout the winter months. It has been used by many designers, to create a stunning bespoke hedge.

This instant hedge is happy on most soils and thrives in chalk and is comfortable in either sun or shade but dislikes seaside or wet locations.

Purple Beech hedging is slow growing (10 – 30cm/year) and will need pruning once a year, preferably in August.

We have this Instant Hedge currently available at 1/1.2m and 1.5/1.8m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Purple Beech Instant Hedge

Purple Beech Instant Hedge

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

See news blog Purple Beech for New Build in Hockwold.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Purple Beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ Deciduous Once in August Slow10-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green-purple turning red-brown. Often remain into spring
Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix Instant Hedge contains plants that are all native to the UK and as such emulate traditional country hedgerows found throughout Britain.

Our Practical Native Mix generally contains roughly equal quantities of the following species: Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hornbeam, Hazel and Common Privet, and has been used in award-winning Show Gardens at RHS Flower Shows.

Mixed Native hedges create a natural look and contain a variety of colours and textures which provide a rich living collage for excellent seasonal interest from the early spring blossoms to fruits and berries in the autumn.  All kinds of wildlife will be attracted by the food and shelter opportunities.

Native hedging, by its very nature will thrive on most soil types and can be planted in all but the deepest of shade.  It will tend to grow quite quickly at some 20 – 40 cm per year and will require pruning once a year, ideally in July; it can be left un-pruned, when it will prove even more wildlife friendly.

This Practical Instant Hedge™ is available at 1/1.2m, 1.5/1.8m and 1.8/2m high.

Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix Instant Hedge

1.8/2m high Practical Instant Native Mix Hedge growing in Iver, Bucks.

Native Mix Instant Hedge

Native Mix growing at our nursery in Iver

Mixed Native supplied in easy to plant 1m long hedge bags.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Native Mix n/a Deciduous Once in July Fast30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to  slightly acidic Various
Hornbeam Instant Hedge

Hornbeam Instant Hedge

Hornbeam Instant Hedge (Carpinus betulus) is a hardy, native, deciduous hedging plant. The prominently veined elliptical lime green leaves turn golden yellow-brown in the autumn and can remain into spring. The bright green leaves are stunning when they first come out. It’s green catkins appear in late spring whilst the autumn fruit are attractive to wildlife.  In the spring, summer and early autumn this makes a perfect mature hedge for keeping out noise and wind, as well as providing a a good level of screening.

Carpinus betulus hedging thrives in most soils including chalk, clay and damp conditions. Being tough and undemanding Hornbeam is happy in either sun or partial shade and can withstand exposed sites.

A Common Hornbeam hedge grows at a fast rate (30 – 40cm/year) and requires annual trimming in July or August.

We currently have this Instant Hedge available at 1.4/1.6m and 1.8m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Hornbeam Instant Hedge

Hornbeam Instant Hedge

1.6/1.8m high Practical Instant Hornbeam Hedge growing at our nursery here in Iver, Bucks.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Deciduous Once in July or August Fast30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to slightly acidic Lime green turning yellow-brown.
Hawthorn Instant Hedge

Hawthorn Instant Hedge

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a popular native deciduous hedging plant with dark green deeply lobed leaves.  A Hawthorn Instant Hedge’s thorns make it one of the best available for security.

A seasonally interesting deciduous hedge, that offers a shelter for wildlife. Crataegus monogyna hedge plants announce the arrival of spring, by coming into leaf within a few days of the initial buds appearing, followed by an abundant display of white scented blossom, and it forms red haws in autumn.

This Instant Hedge forms an impenetrable barrier, accepting most soil and can be planted in all but the deepest shade.

This native hedge grows quickly (20 – 40 cm/year) and requires pruning once a year, ideally in July.

Hawthorn is currently available at 1/1.2m and 1.5m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

1.5m high Hawthorn

1.5/1.8m high Practical Instant Hawthorn Hedge grown in easy to handle 1m long pieces.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.