A deciduous, thorny hedging plant which responds well to trimming. Hawthorn is a popular choice in hedging as it is useful for security purposes as well as being extremely hardy. Native to UK. Characteristics Flower Colour: white, occasionally blush Foliage Colour: green, turning to red/purple in autumn Approx. Growth Height: 4-8m (13ft-26ft) Flowering Period: May Tolerance: drought tolerant, shade tolerant, pollution tollerant, exposure tolerant Growing Habit: upright Hardiness: fully hardy Exposure: sheltered, exposed Rate of Growth: medium Final Size if Untrimmed: small tree Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract bees and other insects. Inedible berries attract birds. Arrives bare-root at a height of 45-60cm (1'6"-2ft) Requirements Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade Soil Requirements: any soil Moisture: well drained, moist but well drained Planting Planting Distance: 30cm (1ft) Hawthorn hedging will grow in almost all well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Hawthorn can be planted from November to March, when the hedge is dormant. Ensure that the area where you are going to plant the hedge is clear and weed-free. Caring and Maintenance Cut back plants to 15-30cm (6in-1ft) on planting. In first summer trim side branches lightly to encourage bushing out. In the second year (February to March) cut back growth by half. Throughout the second summer trim side branches to maintain sides that taper towards the top. In the second autumn cut the topmost branch (leading shoot') to the desired hedge height. Trim every June after that. Maintain at 90-180cm (3-6ft) or as taller hedges or screens.
