Posts

Anita Chillmaid
Native Mix Instant Hedge /by

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.

Mixed Native Hedging for Horses

We have native mixed instant hedges are suitable for horses, and include privet, hazel, hawthorn and hornbeam.  Please specify horse-friendly hedging when ordering!

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
Anita Chillmaid
Hornbeam Instant Hedge /by

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.

Horse Friendly Hedging

Hornbeam is another species of instant hedges that are suitable for horses

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.
Anita Chillmaid
Hawthorn Instant Hedge /by

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.

Horse Friendly Hedge

One of the most popular deciduous horse-friendly hedges, as it looks perfectly natural in the landscape and is loved by birds and insects. Horses like to nibble on the new shoots too.

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.

Anita Chillmaid
Beech Instant Hedge /by

Beech Instant Hedge

Green Beech Instant Hedging

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a popular choice for a deciduous hedge and is native to the UK. The prominently veined green leaves turn yellow-orange in Autumn and often remain through the winter which enhances its value as a year round screen.

Also known as Common or Green Beech, this hedge does well on most well drained soils and is particularly happy on chalk. This deciduous instant hedge can be planted in a position enjoying either sun or partial shade. Seaside locations are best avoided as Beech dislikes salt.

Beech Hedging is relatively slow growing (15 – 30 cm/year) and will need pruning once a year, preferably in August.

Horse Friendly Hedging

Beech retains its leaves in to the winter, offering additional screening in the coldest months. Horses quite often nibble leaves, twigs, and bark of the trees.

Our Beech Instant Hedges are available at 1/1.2m, 1.2/1.4m and 1.8/2m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

90/100cm high Practical Instant 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
Beech Fagus sylvatica Deciduous Once in August Slow15-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Anita Chillmaid
Hedge Selecting Guide /by

How To Choose The Best Hedge For Your Home

An instant hedge is pre-grown as a mature hedgerow which creates an immediate, impressive impact, whether its evergreen instant hedging for privacy screening or the seasonal interest of a mature deciduous hedge.

Which Hedge?

Practical Instant Hedge™ is available in various species and sizes, up to 1.8m high, so how will you choose which one is best for your garden? The first choice is whether you would like an evergreen or deciduous hedge.

Evergreen hedges maintain their foliage throughout the year. This provides screening, privacy and shelter all year round. Despite their name, an evergreen hedge isn’t just one colour, they are many different varieties to suit your individual taste.

Deciduous hedges shed their leaves in the winter. They offer year-round seasonal interest from flowers, coloured foliage, or autumn fruits.

There are many varieties of mature hedge here that will help make your garden the perfect outdoor space – please see the individual product pages for more information on the specific characteristics of each hedge.

Hedge Selecting Guide

Use this table to help select the most suitable instant hedge for your project.  Practical Instant Hedge™ is available in heights ranging from 80cm to 1.8m high and is sold in 1m long pieces.

 

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ Evergreen Once in August Average 20-40cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Shiny light green needles
Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Deciduous Once in July or August Fast 30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to slightly acidic Dark green turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Common Beech Fagus sylvatica Deciduous Once in August Slow 10-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Purple Beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ Deciduous Once in August Slow 10-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green-purple turning red-brown. Often remain into spring
English Holly Ilex aquifolium  Evergreen  Once in August  Slow 5-15cm  Sun to shade  All well drained Acidic to alkaline Thorny, shiny dark green that are pale green underneath
Oval Leaf Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium Semi-evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast 40-60cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Slightly acidic to alkaline Mid-dark green on top and yellow-green underneath
Photinia ‘Red Robin’ Photinia fraseri Evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast 30-40cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Shiny dark green. New shoots are crimson-red
Common Laurel Prunus laurocerasus Evergreen Once in July or August Fast 30-40cm Sun to shade All except shallow chalk Neutral to slightly acidic Large shiny green. Thick and leathery
Portuguese Laurel Prunus lusitanica Evergreen Once in AugustAverage 20-40cm Average 20-40cm Sun to shade All except the poorest Acidic to alkaline Ovate and dark green
Yew Taxus baccata Evergreen  Once in August  Slow 5-20cm  Sun to shade  All except peat  Slightly acidic to alkaline Shiny dark green needles that are pale green underneath
Native Mix (Hazel, Blackthorn,  Hornbeam, Common Privet and Hawthorn) Deciduous Once in July Fast 30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to  slightly acidic Various
Blue Holly Ilex meserveae Blue Maid/ Prince Evergreen Once in August Slow 20-30cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Blue green spiny
Burkwood Osmanthus Osmanthus burkwoodii Evergreen Regularly in Summer Average 20-40cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Any Dark green oval

 

Contact Us

Please use the enquiry form with details of the hedges that you are interested in and we will provide you with a bespoke quotation.

Ready grown, instant hedges in various species, and shades of green growing in rows at Practicality Brown

Practical Instant Hedge™ growing at our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire

 

Anita Chillmaid
Evergreen Instant Hedge /by

Evergreen Instant Hedging

Evergreen Instant Hedging has the benefit of providing screening, privacy and shelter all year round. An evergreen instant hedge will also give an immediate, mature look to your garden. This dense hedging is available at heights of up to 2m and can be planted all-year round.

Instant hedges are the perfect way to provide maturity to your garden and have the following benefits:

  • A ready grown hedge providing a mature, practical option
  • Dense hedging, pre-planted and ready spaced out
  • Carefully maintained and regularly clipped to an instant hedge shape
  • Ready to plant all year round and available up to 2m high, species dependent
  • Available in any lengths, and can be bent to almost any shape
  • Instant evergreen hedges provide a year round dense screening, privacy, shelter etc.
  • We have taken the time to grow it, so you don’t have to!

See evergreen pages for more details on specific species:


English Holly

Laurel Evergreen Instant Hedge

Cherry Laurel

Photinia fraseri Red Robin Evergreen

Photinia

Privet Evergreen Instant Hedge

Privet

Portuguese Laurel Evergreen Instant Hedge

Portuguese Laurel

Yew Evergreen Instant Hedge

Yew

Thuja hedge detail

White Ceder


Griselinia

Elaeagnus leaf detail evergreen instant hedge

Elaeagnus


Blue Holly

Osmanthus burkwoodii Instant Hedge, closeup of flower and foliage

Burkwood Osmanthus

Evergreen Instant Hedge

Our current range of evergreen instant hedging includes the following species with their common and latin name:

Best Evergreen Hedging


Happy Customer

Yew Hedge – Instant Hedge

“I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help and to let you know, as I’m sure you do, how marvellous your team are. The yew hedging and larger plants went in without the slightest of fuss and the effect was both instant and amazing; it has transformed our garden by adding years of growing in a matter of days. I can’t wait until spring to plant more!” JC, Suffolk.

Anita Chillmaid
Deciduous Hedge /by

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Planting a mature deciduous instant hedge will add an established feel to your garden, as well as offering seasonal interest.

During the winter months screening and privacy benefits are reduced, but this can be out-weighed with blooms, berries and foliage changes throughout the year.

Our deciduous instant hedging is available in heights up to 1.8m (approx. 6ft) and due to the production method,  can be planted at any time of the year.

Click on the images for specific details on our range of deciduous hedge species.

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Green Beech

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Hawthorn

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Hornbeam

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Native Mix

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Purple Beech

Happy Customer

Evergreen and Deciduous hedge – Epsom

“We are absolutely delighted with the plants, the Yew has blended with the existing hedge and the Hornbeam has given us the privacy we thought we would have to wait years for. Please pass on a special thank you to your planting team, they certainly know what they are doing! Needless to say, we shall sing your praises with our friends and family.” Mr & Mrs S

Deciduous instant hedge names along with their latin equivalents:

field of beech instant hedge growing in specially designed trough bags in summer with full green leaves    field of beech instant hedge growing in specially designed trough bags in winter with brown/bronze leaves

Practical Instant Beech Hedge in the summer with green leaves and winter with its retained brown/bronze leaves

Anita Chillmaid
Instant Hedge: Maintenance /by

Instant Hedge Maintenance

Irrigation

The amount of water available to your hedge roots depends on the water retention capacity of the soil (e.g. sandy, or clay soil) and cannot be exactly planned. It is important that you observe the hedge foliage for signs of drought so that your watering regime can be adjusted as necessary; external signs of drought are that the foliage wilts and sometimes rolls or turns.

It is important to note that it is also easy to over water your hedge and if you notice leaves turning yellow or expereince unseasonal leaf drop, then it is likely to be over watered; watered in which case immediate action should be taken to cut back on watering. If the soil surface looks dry but you have symptoms of over watering, then the moisture content needs to be checked 300 – 400mm below ground level.  Dig a small hole beside the hedge rootstrip which will indicate the amount of water getting to the roots; if it’s obviously wet, then the hedge is over-watered.

Watering in the winter is not usually required unless the hedge is evergreen and there have been long periods with little or no rainfall. We recommend that irrigation timers are stored indoors over the winter and re-connected to the system in early spring.

The following table shows you the necessary amount of water required, per linear metre per week, for a newly planted instant hedge. This should be continued until the hedge has fully established, which is usually 24 months after planting. Watering can then be reduced as required.

Soil TypeWeather ConditionsWeekly water requirement per metreIdeal watering frequency
Clay loamAverage20 – 30 litresEvery other day
Clay loamDry30 – 40 litresEvery other day
Sandy loamAverage30 – 40 litresEvery day
Sandy loamDry40 – 50 litresEvery day

Please note that this is a guide only and your observation of the hedge is most important.

Feeding

We advise that you feed your instant hedge annually with a quality nutrient blend fertiliser and the best application time for this is early spring, although any time of the year is beneficial.

Pruning

The best time of the year to prune a hedge depends on the type of plant. If the plant buds in the early spring, it can be trimmed late summer. If it blooms in the late spring, then later in the autumn or winter will be better. For non-flowering hedges, pruning can take place in the autumn or winter as well. See our hedge selection guide which gives suggested pruning months.

Whether using hand shears for smaller hedges or a powered hedge trimmer for larger hedges, you should ensure the equipment is sharp and well lubricated. Plan the trimming in advance, removing any obstacles on the ground before starting and think about the shape you would like to create; a formal, clipped hedge or a more shrub-like and natural.

Happy Customer

Purple Beech, Hockwold

“Nearly 100 linear metres of Purple Beech, 1.8/2.0m high were installed at Hockwold, Suffolk, ensuring that the landscape matched the quality of the property build. The client was delighted, commenting on our overall service from point of contact to completions as “totally professional and it will be a pleasure to work with you again”. JR.

Anita Chillmaid
Instant Hedge: Benefits /by

Instant Hedge Benefits

Hedges are cost effective, compared to a brick wall and form an attractive boundary more quickly than many gardeners imagine.

They can create a really strong framework for the garden, so that it looks good in midwinter and is adapt at providing an attractive background to carry the beautiful floral decoration of spring and summer.  As well as providing structure to the garden, they can be perfect for wildlife, and particularly nesting birds.

Planting a mature, instant hedge has the following benefits:

mature hedging

Instant Hedge on a curve

  • Shelter: reducing wind strength better than a solid barrier
  • Filter: absorbing dust and noise
  • Privacy: as an effective visual screen, particularly evergreen hedging
  • Security: a prickly hedge is a great intruder deterrent
  • Beauty and interest from seasonal changes, particularly deciduous hedging
  • Background texture and colour complement other plants
  • Wildlife: food and shelter for a wide variety of native insects, birds and mammals
  • Weather-resistance: much better than manmade fences or brick walls
  • Economy long term compared with fencing and brick work
  • Long-lived: hedges can last hundreds of years
  • Can be planted to shape, such as a curve
  • Easy to maintain

See our notes on maintaining your instant hedge.

Happy Customer

Hedging and Trees (28 September 2015)

“A big thank you to your team. Everyone was extremely professional, personable and responsive. Steve was excellent in making suggestions and coming up with a planting plan. Conrad was equally consultative during the planting process when we re-ordered the shrubs for the back garden once we had them on site and worked with us on positioning the front hedge. Everything looks great and we couldn’t be happier with the screening set up in the back garden – most importantly, our neighbour loves it!! As Steve knows, we have another project on the go at the moment – we will be in touch next year once we start the landscaping process and need to address another screening challenge.” SB

Marketing
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 Update /in , /by

Award-Winning Gardens Featuring Practical Instant Hedge

We were proud to supply our Practical Instant Hedging to show gardens at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, and to see these award-winning gardens recognised by the RHS judges.

Our hedging was chosen to help create natural structure, biodiversity, habitat value and year-round interest across a range of garden styles, from immersive woodland spaces to contemporary balcony gardens.

 

Our Gardens at RHS Chelsea

All these award-winning gardens were supplied with our Practical Instant Native Mix Hedges.

Cleary Gottlieb: Time for Creativity – All About Plants Garden

Designer: Christina Cobb – Gold Medal
Thoughtful and immersive planting design celebrating creativity, wellbeing and the restorative power of plants. The garden aims to encourage people to reduce their screen time and make time for hobbies that have been neglected and to explore new creative interests.

Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden – All About Plants Garden

Designer: Ashleigh Aylett – Gold Medal and Best All About Plants Garden
This remarkable garden highlighted the restoration of Britain’s ancient woodlands and the importance of biodiversity and native planting. The garden was widely praised for its naturalistic design and environmental message.

Hedgerow in the Sky – Tech Mahindra – Balcony Garden

Designers: Sarah Mayfield & Monika Greenhough – Gold Medal

Inspired by the designer’s love of British hedgerows, this garden demonstrates how wildlife-friendly planting and native hedging can thrive in urban spaces. A sanctuary inspired by British hedgerows, blending layered planting, natural textures and wildlife-friendly design to show how even the smallest spaces can nurture biodiversity and beauty

Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey – Show Garden

Designer: Arit Anderson – Silver Medal and People’s Choice Best Show Garden

A beautifully considered garden designed to reflect the experiences and journeys of people living with Parkinson’s, combining accessibility, sensory planting and calming green spaces. The garden will be relocated to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, so the Parkinson’s community can enjoy its lasting benefits.

Supporting Biodiversity at Chelsea

Native hedging continues to play an increasingly important role in RHS show gardens, helping designers create habitats for wildlife while delivering texture, structure and seasonal interest.

Our Practical Instant Native Mix hedging is specifically designed to establish quickly while supporting pollinators, birds and other wildlife, making it an ideal choice for both show gardens and long-term landscape projects.

Supporting Creative Gardens at Chelsea

Alongside the medal-winning gardens, Practicality Brown also supplied Practical Instant Hedge™ Portuguese Laurel for Sadie May Stowell’s Explore Charleston trade garden at the Show.

We would like to congratulate all the designers, contractors and organisations involved in these exceptional gardens and thank them for choosing Practicality Brown as part of their RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 projects.

Get in Touch

If you have been inspired by RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and are looking for hedging for your own garden or landscape project, get in touch!  Contact our horticultural specialists by email hedge@pracbrown.co.uk call 01753 652022

You are also welcome to visit our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire – please call us beforehand to make an appointment. You can also explore our range of mature Practical Instant Hedges and semi-mature trees on our website.

Pages

Anita Chillmaid
Native Mix Instant Hedge /by

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.

Mixed Native Hedging for Horses

We have native mixed instant hedges are suitable for horses, and include privet, hazel, hawthorn and hornbeam.  Please specify horse-friendly hedging when ordering!

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
Anita Chillmaid
Hornbeam Instant Hedge /by

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.

Horse Friendly Hedging

Hornbeam is another species of instant hedges that are suitable for horses

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.
Anita Chillmaid
Hawthorn Instant Hedge /by

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.

Horse Friendly Hedge

One of the most popular deciduous horse-friendly hedges, as it looks perfectly natural in the landscape and is loved by birds and insects. Horses like to nibble on the new shoots too.

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.

Anita Chillmaid
Beech Instant Hedge /by

Beech Instant Hedge

Green Beech Instant Hedging

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a popular choice for a deciduous hedge and is native to the UK. The prominently veined green leaves turn yellow-orange in Autumn and often remain through the winter which enhances its value as a year round screen.

Also known as Common or Green Beech, this hedge does well on most well drained soils and is particularly happy on chalk. This deciduous instant hedge can be planted in a position enjoying either sun or partial shade. Seaside locations are best avoided as Beech dislikes salt.

Beech Hedging is relatively slow growing (15 – 30 cm/year) and will need pruning once a year, preferably in August.

Horse Friendly Hedging

Beech retains its leaves in to the winter, offering additional screening in the coldest months. Horses quite often nibble leaves, twigs, and bark of the trees.

Our Beech Instant Hedges are available at 1/1.2m, 1.2/1.4m and 1.8/2m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

90/100cm high Practical Instant 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
Beech Fagus sylvatica Deciduous Once in August Slow15-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Anita Chillmaid
Hedge Selecting Guide /by

How To Choose The Best Hedge For Your Home

An instant hedge is pre-grown as a mature hedgerow which creates an immediate, impressive impact, whether its evergreen instant hedging for privacy screening or the seasonal interest of a mature deciduous hedge.

Which Hedge?

Practical Instant Hedge™ is available in various species and sizes, up to 1.8m high, so how will you choose which one is best for your garden? The first choice is whether you would like an evergreen or deciduous hedge.

Evergreen hedges maintain their foliage throughout the year. This provides screening, privacy and shelter all year round. Despite their name, an evergreen hedge isn’t just one colour, they are many different varieties to suit your individual taste.

Deciduous hedges shed their leaves in the winter. They offer year-round seasonal interest from flowers, coloured foliage, or autumn fruits.

There are many varieties of mature hedge here that will help make your garden the perfect outdoor space – please see the individual product pages for more information on the specific characteristics of each hedge.

Hedge Selecting Guide

Use this table to help select the most suitable instant hedge for your project.  Practical Instant Hedge™ is available in heights ranging from 80cm to 1.8m high and is sold in 1m long pieces.

 

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual growth Aspect Soil acceptance pH Leaves
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ Evergreen Once in August Average 20-40cm Sun to shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Shiny light green needles
Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Deciduous Once in July or August Fast 30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to slightly acidic Dark green turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Common Beech Fagus sylvatica Deciduous Once in August Slow 10-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green turning yellow-brown. Often remain into spring
Purple Beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ Deciduous Once in August Slow 10-30cm Sun to shade All except dry Acidic to alkaline Green-purple turning red-brown. Often remain into spring
English Holly Ilex aquifolium  Evergreen  Once in August  Slow 5-15cm  Sun to shade  All well drained Acidic to alkaline Thorny, shiny dark green that are pale green underneath
Oval Leaf Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium Semi-evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast 40-60cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Slightly acidic to alkaline Mid-dark green on top and yellow-green underneath
Photinia ‘Red Robin’ Photinia fraseri Evergreen Regularly in Summer Fast 30-40cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Shiny dark green. New shoots are crimson-red
Common Laurel Prunus laurocerasus Evergreen Once in July or August Fast 30-40cm Sun to shade All except shallow chalk Neutral to slightly acidic Large shiny green. Thick and leathery
Portuguese Laurel Prunus lusitanica Evergreen Once in AugustAverage 20-40cm Average 20-40cm Sun to shade All except the poorest Acidic to alkaline Ovate and dark green
Yew Taxus baccata Evergreen  Once in August  Slow 5-20cm  Sun to shade  All except peat  Slightly acidic to alkaline Shiny dark green needles that are pale green underneath
Native Mix (Hazel, Blackthorn,  Hornbeam, Common Privet and Hawthorn) Deciduous Once in July Fast 30-40cm Sun to partial shade All except the poorest Neutral to  slightly acidic Various
Blue Holly Ilex meserveae Blue Maid/ Prince Evergreen Once in August Slow 20-30cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Acidic to alkaline Blue green spiny
Burkwood Osmanthus Osmanthus burkwoodii Evergreen Regularly in Summer Average 20-40cm Sun to partial shade All well drained Any Dark green oval

 

Contact Us

Please use the enquiry form with details of the hedges that you are interested in and we will provide you with a bespoke quotation.

Ready grown, instant hedges in various species, and shades of green growing in rows at Practicality Brown

Practical Instant Hedge™ growing at our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire

 

Anita Chillmaid
Evergreen Instant Hedge /by

Evergreen Instant Hedging

Evergreen Instant Hedging has the benefit of providing screening, privacy and shelter all year round. An evergreen instant hedge will also give an immediate, mature look to your garden. This dense hedging is available at heights of up to 2m and can be planted all-year round.

Instant hedges are the perfect way to provide maturity to your garden and have the following benefits:

  • A ready grown hedge providing a mature, practical option
  • Dense hedging, pre-planted and ready spaced out
  • Carefully maintained and regularly clipped to an instant hedge shape
  • Ready to plant all year round and available up to 2m high, species dependent
  • Available in any lengths, and can be bent to almost any shape
  • Instant evergreen hedges provide a year round dense screening, privacy, shelter etc.
  • We have taken the time to grow it, so you don’t have to!

See evergreen pages for more details on specific species:


English Holly

Laurel Evergreen Instant Hedge

Cherry Laurel

Photinia fraseri Red Robin Evergreen

Photinia

Privet Evergreen Instant Hedge

Privet

Portuguese Laurel Evergreen Instant Hedge

Portuguese Laurel

Yew Evergreen Instant Hedge

Yew

Thuja hedge detail

White Ceder


Griselinia

Elaeagnus leaf detail evergreen instant hedge

Elaeagnus


Blue Holly

Osmanthus burkwoodii Instant Hedge, closeup of flower and foliage

Burkwood Osmanthus

Evergreen Instant Hedge

Our current range of evergreen instant hedging includes the following species with their common and latin name:

Best Evergreen Hedging


Happy Customer

Yew Hedge – Instant Hedge

“I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help and to let you know, as I’m sure you do, how marvellous your team are. The yew hedging and larger plants went in without the slightest of fuss and the effect was both instant and amazing; it has transformed our garden by adding years of growing in a matter of days. I can’t wait until spring to plant more!” JC, Suffolk.

Anita Chillmaid
Deciduous Hedge /by

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Planting a mature deciduous instant hedge will add an established feel to your garden, as well as offering seasonal interest.

During the winter months screening and privacy benefits are reduced, but this can be out-weighed with blooms, berries and foliage changes throughout the year.

Our deciduous instant hedging is available in heights up to 1.8m (approx. 6ft) and due to the production method,  can be planted at any time of the year.

Click on the images for specific details on our range of deciduous hedge species.

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Green Beech

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Hawthorn

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Hornbeam

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Native Mix

Deciduous Instant Hedge

Purple Beech

Happy Customer

Evergreen and Deciduous hedge – Epsom

“We are absolutely delighted with the plants, the Yew has blended with the existing hedge and the Hornbeam has given us the privacy we thought we would have to wait years for. Please pass on a special thank you to your planting team, they certainly know what they are doing! Needless to say, we shall sing your praises with our friends and family.” Mr & Mrs S

Deciduous instant hedge names along with their latin equivalents:

field of beech instant hedge growing in specially designed trough bags in summer with full green leaves    field of beech instant hedge growing in specially designed trough bags in winter with brown/bronze leaves

Practical Instant Beech Hedge in the summer with green leaves and winter with its retained brown/bronze leaves

Anita Chillmaid
Instant Hedge: Maintenance /by

Instant Hedge Maintenance

Irrigation

The amount of water available to your hedge roots depends on the water retention capacity of the soil (e.g. sandy, or clay soil) and cannot be exactly planned. It is important that you observe the hedge foliage for signs of drought so that your watering regime can be adjusted as necessary; external signs of drought are that the foliage wilts and sometimes rolls or turns.

It is important to note that it is also easy to over water your hedge and if you notice leaves turning yellow or expereince unseasonal leaf drop, then it is likely to be over watered; watered in which case immediate action should be taken to cut back on watering. If the soil surface looks dry but you have symptoms of over watering, then the moisture content needs to be checked 300 – 400mm below ground level.  Dig a small hole beside the hedge rootstrip which will indicate the amount of water getting to the roots; if it’s obviously wet, then the hedge is over-watered.

Watering in the winter is not usually required unless the hedge is evergreen and there have been long periods with little or no rainfall. We recommend that irrigation timers are stored indoors over the winter and re-connected to the system in early spring.

The following table shows you the necessary amount of water required, per linear metre per week, for a newly planted instant hedge. This should be continued until the hedge has fully established, which is usually 24 months after planting. Watering can then be reduced as required.

Soil TypeWeather ConditionsWeekly water requirement per metreIdeal watering frequency
Clay loamAverage20 – 30 litresEvery other day
Clay loamDry30 – 40 litresEvery other day
Sandy loamAverage30 – 40 litresEvery day
Sandy loamDry40 – 50 litresEvery day

Please note that this is a guide only and your observation of the hedge is most important.

Feeding

We advise that you feed your instant hedge annually with a quality nutrient blend fertiliser and the best application time for this is early spring, although any time of the year is beneficial.

Pruning

The best time of the year to prune a hedge depends on the type of plant. If the plant buds in the early spring, it can be trimmed late summer. If it blooms in the late spring, then later in the autumn or winter will be better. For non-flowering hedges, pruning can take place in the autumn or winter as well. See our hedge selection guide which gives suggested pruning months.

Whether using hand shears for smaller hedges or a powered hedge trimmer for larger hedges, you should ensure the equipment is sharp and well lubricated. Plan the trimming in advance, removing any obstacles on the ground before starting and think about the shape you would like to create; a formal, clipped hedge or a more shrub-like and natural.

Happy Customer

Purple Beech, Hockwold

“Nearly 100 linear metres of Purple Beech, 1.8/2.0m high were installed at Hockwold, Suffolk, ensuring that the landscape matched the quality of the property build. The client was delighted, commenting on our overall service from point of contact to completions as “totally professional and it will be a pleasure to work with you again”. JR.

Anita Chillmaid
Instant Hedge: Benefits /by

Instant Hedge Benefits

Hedges are cost effective, compared to a brick wall and form an attractive boundary more quickly than many gardeners imagine.

They can create a really strong framework for the garden, so that it looks good in midwinter and is adapt at providing an attractive background to carry the beautiful floral decoration of spring and summer.  As well as providing structure to the garden, they can be perfect for wildlife, and particularly nesting birds.

Planting a mature, instant hedge has the following benefits:

mature hedging

Instant Hedge on a curve

  • Shelter: reducing wind strength better than a solid barrier
  • Filter: absorbing dust and noise
  • Privacy: as an effective visual screen, particularly evergreen hedging
  • Security: a prickly hedge is a great intruder deterrent
  • Beauty and interest from seasonal changes, particularly deciduous hedging
  • Background texture and colour complement other plants
  • Wildlife: food and shelter for a wide variety of native insects, birds and mammals
  • Weather-resistance: much better than manmade fences or brick walls
  • Economy long term compared with fencing and brick work
  • Long-lived: hedges can last hundreds of years
  • Can be planted to shape, such as a curve
  • Easy to maintain

See our notes on maintaining your instant hedge.

Happy Customer

Hedging and Trees (28 September 2015)

“A big thank you to your team. Everyone was extremely professional, personable and responsive. Steve was excellent in making suggestions and coming up with a planting plan. Conrad was equally consultative during the planting process when we re-ordered the shrubs for the back garden once we had them on site and worked with us on positioning the front hedge. Everything looks great and we couldn’t be happier with the screening set up in the back garden – most importantly, our neighbour loves it!! As Steve knows, we have another project on the go at the moment – we will be in touch next year once we start the landscaping process and need to address another screening challenge.” SB

Marketing
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 Update /in , /by

Award-Winning Gardens Featuring Practical Instant Hedge

We were proud to supply our Practical Instant Hedging to show gardens at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, and to see these award-winning gardens recognised by the RHS judges.

Our hedging was chosen to help create natural structure, biodiversity, habitat value and year-round interest across a range of garden styles, from immersive woodland spaces to contemporary balcony gardens.

 

Our Gardens at RHS Chelsea

All these award-winning gardens were supplied with our Practical Instant Native Mix Hedges.

Cleary Gottlieb: Time for Creativity – All About Plants Garden

Designer: Christina Cobb – Gold Medal
Thoughtful and immersive planting design celebrating creativity, wellbeing and the restorative power of plants. The garden aims to encourage people to reduce their screen time and make time for hobbies that have been neglected and to explore new creative interests.

Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden – All About Plants Garden

Designer: Ashleigh Aylett – Gold Medal and Best All About Plants Garden
This remarkable garden highlighted the restoration of Britain’s ancient woodlands and the importance of biodiversity and native planting. The garden was widely praised for its naturalistic design and environmental message.

Hedgerow in the Sky – Tech Mahindra – Balcony Garden

Designers: Sarah Mayfield & Monika Greenhough – Gold Medal

Inspired by the designer’s love of British hedgerows, this garden demonstrates how wildlife-friendly planting and native hedging can thrive in urban spaces. A sanctuary inspired by British hedgerows, blending layered planting, natural textures and wildlife-friendly design to show how even the smallest spaces can nurture biodiversity and beauty

Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey – Show Garden

Designer: Arit Anderson – Silver Medal and People’s Choice Best Show Garden

A beautifully considered garden designed to reflect the experiences and journeys of people living with Parkinson’s, combining accessibility, sensory planting and calming green spaces. The garden will be relocated to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, so the Parkinson’s community can enjoy its lasting benefits.

Supporting Biodiversity at Chelsea

Native hedging continues to play an increasingly important role in RHS show gardens, helping designers create habitats for wildlife while delivering texture, structure and seasonal interest.

Our Practical Instant Native Mix hedging is specifically designed to establish quickly while supporting pollinators, birds and other wildlife, making it an ideal choice for both show gardens and long-term landscape projects.

Supporting Creative Gardens at Chelsea

Alongside the medal-winning gardens, Practicality Brown also supplied Practical Instant Hedge™ Portuguese Laurel for Sadie May Stowell’s Explore Charleston trade garden at the Show.

We would like to congratulate all the designers, contractors and organisations involved in these exceptional gardens and thank them for choosing Practicality Brown as part of their RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 projects.

Get in Touch

If you have been inspired by RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and are looking for hedging for your own garden or landscape project, get in touch!  Contact our horticultural specialists by email hedge@pracbrown.co.uk call 01753 652022

You are also welcome to visit our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire – please call us beforehand to make an appointment. You can also explore our range of mature Practical Instant Hedges and semi-mature trees on our website.