Some of the most common questions I am asked, especially by younger, non-experienced gardeners, are around bare root hedges – probably first-time home buyers who haven’t had much interest in gardening before. One customer asked “do you have any Beirut hedges? I don’t really know what they are. Is it Beirut they come from?”
Bare root hedge plants are just that…a plant with bare roots that you plant in a row to make a hedge. We are almost reaching the time to plant these, as we are heading into the dormant season when plants are naturally at rest, normally from the end of October to the end of March – so replanting bare roots into your garden will not harm them in any way. I would always encourage you to plant these by the end of November – only because it is sometimes more difficult to be motivated in January and February and there may be a better selection to choose from early on.
So, what types of hedge should you plant:
• Beech is my favourite (Fagus sylvatica). It is fast and easy growing; it has superb foliage and changes colour throughout the year from green to copper.
• For a smaller hedge box hedging (Buxus sempervirens) is ideal. It can be used to make formal low hedges and borders and, who knows, you may even decide to create a topiary masterpiece from it!
• Or what about the shiny green leafed Laurel Hedge, be it, Common or Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia'. This is a great fast-growing option too.
I once planted a trumpet hedge in my garden but it started to annoy me and I had to root-it-oot”!!!
Next week, I will explain the best way to plant bare root hedging.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: ACER PALMATUM ‘OSAKAZUKI’
Also known as the Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ is a fantastic burst of Autumn colour – a stunning deep orange and red hue with a dramatically shaped leaf. It prefers a moist but well drained soil, ideally in a south or east/west facing position to catch the sun. This is a wonderful investment for your garden long term, taking 10 to 20 years to reach full maturity and a height of between 2.5 and 4 metres tall.
Colin has been working in the gardening industry for over 30 years and owns 7 Garden Centres across central Scotland and is passionate about Scottish plants.
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