Is your next project located at a site vulnerable to elements such as strong winds, with no natural barriers for protection? Don’t let the harsh conditions deter you! To help you create a resilient and thriving landscape, we’ve compiled a list of hardy hedging varieties specifically chosen for exposed sites. These plants are designed to withstand challenging weather while providing shelter, privacy, and aesthetic appeal.
Acer campestre
Acer campestre is a tough, deciduous species that excels in exposed locations. Unlike dense evergreens, its foliage allows wind to filter through, reducing the impact of strong gusts and creating a more sheltered environment. This makes it an excellent choice for hedging in areas prone to harsh weather.
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 4M
Soil: any soil (except water-logged sites)
Available in bare-root sizes 60-80cm and seedling 30-40cm. Also available in 2L, 3L, 5L & 10L.
Crataegus monogyna
Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as Hawthorn, is a highly popular native hedging plant, valued for its resilience and seasonal interest. In spring, it bursts into life with clusters of fragrant white flowers, adding charm and attracting pollinators. As autumn arrives, its green foliage falls away, revealing large, sharp thorns that provide excellent security and structure to the landscape.
This hardy species thrives in cold, windy conditions, making it ideal for inland exposed sites. Even in the face of strong winds, it can reach heights of up to 3 meters, offering both shelter and privacy.
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 3M in an exposed location
Soil: any soil (except water-logged sites)
Available in bare-root sizes from 40-60cm up to 200cm tall and in container pots after the bare root season.
Cupressus Leylandii
Cupressus Leylandii is one of the fastest-growing evergreen hedging plants, making it an excellent choice for those who need quick results. Its dense, upright growth offers exceptional windbreak capabilities, privacy, and noise reduction, making it a versatile barrier for exposed sites. This hardy species thrives even in cold and windy conditions, providing year-round greenery and protection.
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 12 metres
Soil: well-drained soil
Available in 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L + pot sizes
Cotoneaster Franchetii
Cotoneaster franchetii is a tough and adaptable hedging plant, perfectly suited for both exposed inland and coastal sites. Its attractive, sage-green leaves with silvery-white undersides create a striking contrast, while clusters of delicate pink flowers emerge in early summer, adding a splash of colour to your garden. By autumn, these blooms give way to vibrant deep orange berries, which are not only visually appealing but also provide a valuable food source for wildlife.
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 3 metres
Soil: Any except water-logged
Available in 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L + pot sizes
Taxus Baccata
Taxus baccata, commonly known as Yew, is a classic dark green evergreen hedging plant, renowned for its versatility and timeless appeal. With its needle-like foliage, Yew not only provides year-round coverage but also acts as an excellent wind filter, making it ideal for exposed sites. This variety is highly prized for its use in formal gardens, often gracing the grounds of stately homes and private estates.
Available in 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L + pot sizes and as a rootball from November – March
Flowers: April
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 20 metres
Soil: well-drained, fertile soil
Grisellina littoralis
Griselinia littoralis is an excellent choice for coastal gardens, thriving in the salty air and windy conditions often found by the sea. Its large, glossy, apple-green ovate leaves bring a fresh, vibrant look to any landscape, offering year-round colour and structure.
Position: Full sun
Height: Up to 12 metres
Soil: well-drained soil
Available in 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L + pot sizes
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Posted 22nd Nov 4:38pm
