Selecting Fast Growing Hedge Plants
When seeking fast growing hedges, the primary aim is often to establish privacy, define garden boundaries, or create screening in the shortest possible time. Understanding the growth rates and specific needs of different hedge plants is crucial for achieving your desired outcome efficiently. Not all rapidly developing species are suited to every garden condition, so considering factors like soil type, sunlight exposure, and mature size is paramount.
- Prioritise species with proven rapid growth rates.
- Match plant needs to your garden's environmental conditions.
- Consider the ultimate size and maintenance required.
- Explore evergreen and deciduous options for year-round appeal.
The term 'fast growing' can be relative, but generally refers to plants that add a significant amount of height and spread each year, often between 30cm and over 60cm annually. This allows a hedge to mature into its intended form much sooner than slower-growing varieties. For instance, a hedge that needs to reach a substantial height for screening will benefit immensely from choosing a species known for its vigorous upward growth.
Consider the context of your garden. Are you looking for a dense, evergreen screen to block unsightly views or provide year-round privacy? Or perhaps a more decorative hedge that offers seasonal interest with flowers or autumn colour? Your answer will significantly narrow down the choices. For example, while some deciduous hedges grow quickly, they will not offer screening during winter months. Evergreen shrubs are often the preferred choice for persistent privacy.
Understanding Growth Rates and Needs
The speed at which a hedge grows is influenced by several factors, including the plant's inherent genetic potential, the quality of the soil, the amount of water and sunlight it receives, and its age. Younger plants typically grow faster than mature ones as they establish their root systems and reach towards their full potential. For optimal results with fast growing hedges, ensure they are planted in well-drained soil, receive adequate moisture, and are situated where they get the appropriate amount of sun for their species.
When selecting hedge plants that grow fast, also evaluate their mature dimensions. A plant that grows rapidly but reaches an unmanageable size can become a burden. Researching the average height and spread will help you choose a species that fits your available space and the aesthetic you envision. Some vigorous growers, like certain conifers, can reach impressive heights and widths, requiring regular pruning to maintain their shape and size.
Top Choices for Rapidly Developing Hedges
When you need a hedge that establishes itself swiftly, several species stand out for their impressive growth rates. These plants provide a cost-effective and time-saving solution for landscaping projects requiring immediate impact or privacy. Each offers distinct characteristics, making them suitable for different garden styles and conditions. For instance, those seeking robust, evergreen screening often turn to specific conifer species, while others might prefer the more textured foliage of deciduous alternatives.
Many gardeners opt for these quick-developing varieties to minimise the waiting period for a mature-looking hedge. This is particularly relevant when screening is a priority, whether to shield from neighbours, busy roads, or simply to create a tranquil private space. The ability to grow hedges fast means that a garden's potential can be realised much sooner, transforming the landscape.
Evergreen Varieties for All-Year Screening
For persistent privacy and screening, evergreen shrubs are indispensable. Among the fastest growing hedge plants in this category, Leylandii cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is renowned for its vigorous growth, often exceeding 60cm per year under ideal conditions. It forms a dense, uniform screen and is tolerant of most soil types, thriving in full sun or partial shade. However, its rapid growth necessitates regular, diligent pruning to prevent it from becoming too large or encroaching on boundaries.
Another excellent evergreen choice is the Thuja plicata, often sold as Western Red Cedar. This conifer also exhibits substantial annual growth, typically 30-60cm, and produces attractive, aromatic foliage. It is well-suited for creating substantial, dense hedges and prefers moist, well-drained soil in a sunny to partly shaded position. Like Leylandii, it requires regular maintenance to control its size and shape.
For a slightly softer, less formal look, Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a superb option. It grows at a moderate to fast pace (around 30-50cm per year) and offers glossy, dark green leaves with attractive red stems, plus spikes of fragrant white flowers in summer. It is versatile, tolerating a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade and various soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It's a robust plant, less prone to the vigorous, potentially problematic growth of some conifers.
Deciduous Options with Seasonal Charm
While evergreens dominate for year-round screening, certain deciduous hedge plants also offer rapid growth and unique aesthetic benefits. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a native British hedging plant that grows relatively quickly, around 30-60cm per year. It produces lovely white flowers in spring followed by red berries, making it beneficial for wildlife. It's incredibly hardy and adaptable to most soil types and conditions, tolerating both sun and shade, and is excellent for informal or country-style gardens, though it can be thorny.
Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) are also popular choices for hedges that develop at a good pace. While not as rapid as Leylandii, they typically grow 30-50cm annually and offer beautiful seasonal colour. Beech develops rich bronze foliage in autumn, often holding onto its dead leaves through winter, while Hornbeam's golden-brown autumn colour is equally striking. Both prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are excellent for more formal hedging and, like Hawthorn, offer wildlife benefits. If considering these, note that hornbeam is generally more tolerant of wet soil than beech.
The choice between evergreen and deciduous depends on whether year-round screening is your priority or if seasonal interest and wildlife support are equally important.
Select hedging species that are native or well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions to ensure the most vigorous growth and resilience.
Planting and Maintaining Fast Growing Hedges
Establishing any hedge successfully relies on proper planting techniques and consistent aftercare, especially for varieties intended to grow quickly. By providing the right environment from the outset, you maximise their potential for rapid development and ensure a healthy, dense hedge for years to come. This involves more than just digging a hole; it's about preparing the ground and giving the plants the best possible start.
When planting fast growing hedge plants, whether they are bare-root, root-balled, or container-grown, the soil preparation is a critical first step. It's advisable to dig a trench slightly wider and deeper than the root ball to allow the roots to spread easily. Incorporating well-rotted organic matter, such as compost or manure, into the trench can significantly improve soil structure, fertility, and drainage, all of which are vital for vigorous growth.
Planting Techniques for Optimal Growth
For hedges that grow fast, planting at the correct spacing is key. This ensures each plant has adequate room to establish without competing excessively with its neighbours, yet close enough to form a dense, unified barrier. A general guideline for most fast-growing species is to plant them 45-60cm apart. For very vigorous types like Leylandii, you might even consider planting them slightly closer, around 45cm, to encourage a quicker, denser screen.
Watering is paramount, particularly during the first year after planting. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. This is especially important during dry spells. Using mulch around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems, as this can lead to rot.
If planting bare-root hedging plants, this is typically done during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring. Container-grown plants offer more flexibility and can be planted at almost any time of year, provided the ground is not frozen or excessively dry. For both bare-root and root-balled specimens, soaking the roots in water for a few hours before planting is a beneficial practice.
Pruning and Aftercare
Pruning is essential for shaping and maintaining the health and density of fast growing hedges. For most species, formative pruning should begin in the first year after planting. This involves trimming back about one-third of the new growth to encourage branching and a bushier structure. For evergreen hedges, initial formative pruning is generally done in spring or early summer.
Subsequent pruning will depend on the species and your desired hedge size. Vigorous growers often require at least one, and sometimes two, trims per year to maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming overgrown. The main pruning for formal hedges is usually carried out in late spring or early summer, with a tidying cut often performed again in late summer or early autumn. Remember to always use sharp, clean secateurs or shears to make precise cuts, which aids healing and prevents disease.
The most significant factor in achieving a dense, healthy fast growing hedge is consistent watering and feeding during its formative years.
Fertilising can also support vigorous growth. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied in spring can provide the necessary nutrients. However, avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to excessive, weak growth that is more susceptible to pests and diseases.
When pruning, always cut back to a side shoot or a leaf bud, angling the cut slightly downwards to allow water to run off. This promotes better healing and discourages disease.
Comparing Fast Growing Hedge Options
When evaluating your choices for fast growing hedges, it's beneficial to compare the attributes of different species side-by-side. This allows you to make an informed decision based on your specific garden requirements, aesthetic preferences, and the level of maintenance you are prepared to undertake. Different plants excel in different areas, and understanding these nuances is key to selecting the right hedging for your needs.
For example, if your priority is dense, year-round screening, evergreen conifers like Leylandii or Thuja plicata are strong contenders due to their rapid vertical growth. However, they demand regular pruning and can be susceptible to certain diseases if not managed well. If you prefer a more naturalistic look or are concerned about the potential size of conifers, deciduous options like Hawthorn or Hornbeam offer attractive alternatives with seasonal interest, though their screening is intermittent.
Key Factors for Comparison
When comparing hedge plants that grow fast, consider the following criteria:
- Growth Rate: How many centimetres per year can you realistically expect?
- Mature Size: What is the maximum height and width?
- Evergreen vs. Deciduous: Does it retain foliage year-round?
- Soil and Light Requirements: What conditions does it thrive in?
- Maintenance Needs: How often does it require pruning?
- Wildlife Value: Does it offer flowers, berries, or habitat?
- Pest and Disease Resistance: How robust is the plant?
For instance, when comparing Thuja plicata and Portuguese Laurel:
| Feature | Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) | Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel) |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | 30-60cm per year | 30-50cm per year |
| Foliage | Aromatic, scale-like, evergreen | Glossy, dark green, evergreen; red stems |
| Flowers/Fruit | Inconspicuous cones | Fragrant white flower spikes (summer); red berries (autumn) |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained | Tolerates various types, well-drained preferred |
| Maintenance | Regular pruning needed for shape | Pruning for shape, less intensive than Thuja |
| Wildlife Value | Provides cover | Attracts pollinators, provides berries |
This comparative approach helps to highlight that while both are capable of forming excellent hedges and grow at a respectable pace, their specific characteristics offer different benefits. Thuja offers a more traditional, dense conifer screen, while Portuguese Laurel provides a more decorative and wildlife-friendly evergreen option.
When considering very fast growing hedges, it's wise to consult with local garden centres or horticultural experts. They can offer advice tailored to your specific region, recommending species that perform exceptionally well in local conditions and are readily available. This localised knowledge can be invaluable in selecting plants that will truly thrive and meet your expectations for rapid development.