Featured Hedging Plants

Start here for a practical overview of what hedging works in UK gardens. The selection here brings together the most consistently well-performing hedging varieties, chosen for reliability, value and visual impact across a range of garden types. Alongside individual plants, you will find ready-made hedging collections that remove the guesswork from mixed planting, covering wildlife, native, fast-growing, floral and value options. Browse below to confirm your choice, or use our full hedging range to filter by despatch, habit and soil type across all 316 varieties.

How to choose featured hedging plants

Suttons’ guide to growing hedging plants covers establishment, spacing and trimming in detail. The FAQs below address the questions most commonly asked when choosing between varieties: the most popular UK hedging plants, which species are easiest to establish, how quickly a hedge grows and whether to buy a collection or individual plants.

What are the most popular hedging plants for UK gardens?

The most popular hedging plants for UK gardens are Cherry Laurel, Green Beech, Hornbeam and English Yew. Cherry Laurel suits those needing fast evergreen coverage. Beech and Hornbeam work well in formal settings and hold their dried leaves through winter for year-round structure.

What is the easiest hedging plant to grow?

The easiest hedging plants to grow are Hawthorn, Privet and Cherry Laurel. All three tolerate a wide range of soils and light conditions, establish with minimal intervention and need only basic annual maintenance once settled.

How long does it take for a hedge to establish?

The time for a hedge to establish can vary according to variety. Most hedging plants put on visible growth in their first full growing season. Fast-growing varieties such as Cherry Laurel can gain 30 to 60cm per year. Slower species such as English Yew add 15 to 30cm annually but need less maintenance once established.

Should I buy a hedging collection or individual plants?

Buying a hedging collection suits gardeners who want a ready-mixed selection of compatible species, particularly for wildlife or native planting. Individual plants suit those who need precise control over species, spacing and eventual height, or who need to match an existing hedge.

Which hedging plants work best for formal gardens?

The best hedging plants for formal gardens are those that clip to a clean, precise finish and hold their shape between cuts. English Yew, Box and Hornbeam are the classic choices; all respond well to regular trimming and maintain dense, even growth.

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