Top 10 Hedging Plants for UK's Seaside

The UK’s coastline boasts breathtaking beauty, but selecting the right hedging plants for coastal areas can be a challenge. With strong winds, salt spray, and sandy soils to contend with, it’s crucial to choose plants that can thrive in these conditions. In this article, we present the top 10 hedging plants specifically suited to the UK’s coastal regions. From resilient evergreens to stunning flowering shrubs, these plants not only withstand the coastal challenges but also bring a touch of natural elegance to your seaside landscape.

Hedging on the seaside - Shutterstock

Contents of This Article

Griselinia is an excellent choice for coastal hedging. With its glossy, leathery leaves, it creates a lush and vibrant hedge, providing privacy and protection from the elements. Griselinia littoralis ‘Variegata’ adds a touch of elegance with its cream-edged leaves, making it a visually appealing option.

Griselinia Hedge - Shutterstock

2. Eleagnus (Eleagnus spp.)

Eleagnus is a coastal gem known for its resilience. Its silver-green foliage and fragrant flowers bring elegance to coastal landscapes. Eleagnus ebbingei is a popular variety, highly tolerant of salt spray and wind. It forms a dense and attractive hedge that withstands the challenges of coastal environments. At the time of writing this article we do not have Eleagnus published on the website but it is available to purchase in our garden center or by calling us.

Eleagnus - Shutterstock

3. Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Sea Buckthorn is a hardy coastal champion that can withstand the harshest conditions. Its dense, silver-green foliage provides year-round interest, and come autumn, it bears vibrant orange berries that attract birds. This shrub is ideal for creating windbreaks and erosion control along the coast.

Sea Buckthorn - Shutterstock

4. Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.)

Tamarisk is a beautiful hedging plant known for its feathery foliage and delicate pink flowers. It thrives in coastal environments, as it is highly tolerant of salt spray and windy conditions. Tamarix ramosissima is a popular choice, forming a dense, low-maintenance hedge that adds a touch of elegance to the seaside landscape.

Tamarisk - Shutterstock

5. Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)

Holm Oak, also known as Evergreen Oak, is a majestic coastal hedging option. With its glossy, dark green leaves, it provides year-round beauty and privacy. Holm Oak is highly resistant to salt spray, making it a suitable choice for coastal gardens.

Holm Oak Close Up - Shutterstock

6. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

The native Hawthorn, also known as the May tree, is a robust and adaptable hedging option. Its thorny branches form a dense barrier that deters intruders while providing a safe haven for birds. In spring, the Hawthorn bursts into a breathtaking display of white flowers, followed by red berries in the autumn.

Hawthorn Hedging - Shutterstock

7. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender brings beauty and tranquility to coastal gardens. Its fragrant flowers and silvery foliage create a stunning visual display. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is a popular variety known for its compact growth and deep purple flowers. Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained coastal locations.

Lavender Hedging - Shutterstock

8. Rosa Rugosa (Rosa rugosa)

Rosa Rugosa, commonly known as the Rugosa Rose, is a tough and adaptable hedging plant that thrives in coastal areas. Its fragrant flowers, followed by large, colorful hips, add beauty to any seaside landscape. This rose variety can withstand salt spray and sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens.

Rosa Rugosa - Shutterstock

9. Olearia (Olearia spp.)

Olearia, or Daisy Bush, is a coastal gem that offers an abundance of small, daisy-like flowers and attractive silver-gray foliage. It is a hardy shrub that can tolerate salt-laden winds and poor soils. Olearia traversii is a popular choice, known for its resilience and ability to form a dense and wind-resistant hedge.

Olearia Macrodonta (New Zealand Holly) Foliage And Flowers - Shutterstock

10. Cheesewood or Pittosporum (Pittosporum spp.)

Pittosporum is a versatile group of evergreen shrubs that thrives in coastal conditions. With its glossy leaves and compact growth habit, it provides an elegant and low-maintenance hedge. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ is a popular choice, showcasing small, dark purple leaves that add a touch of drama to the landscape.

Cheesewood Hedge - Shutterstock

Conclusion

Creating a beautiful and resilient coastal hedge is achievable with the right selection of plants. These top 10 hedging plants for the UK’s coasts, including Griselinia, Eleagnus, Sea Buckthorn, Tamarisk, Holm Oak, Hawthorn, Lavender, Rosa Rugosa, Olearia, and Pittosporum, offer a mix of beauty, adaptability, and resistance to coastal conditions. From the hardy evergreens to the stunning flowering shrubs, these plants bring both practicality and aesthetic appeal to your seaside landscape. Embrace the coastal beauty and create a hedge that not only withstands the winds but also enhances the natural splendor of the UK’s breathtaking coastlines.