Alder Hedging Plants

Alder hedging plants, including varieties like Alnus glutinosa and Alnus cordata, offer robust and attractive solutions for creating effective hedges in the UK climate. These versatile plants bring numerous benefits, making them ideal for various garden and landscaping needs.

Why Choose Alder for Your Hedge?

Alder hedging plants provide dense foliage, ensuring a lush, green barrier that offers both privacy and wind protection. They grow quickly, allowing for the rapid establishment of hedges. This fast growth, combined with their resilience and adaptability to different soil types, makes them a popular choice for gardeners seeking an effective and low-maintenance hedge. Moreover, alders are easy to prune, allowing for the maintenance of the desired shape and size of your hedge with minimal effort.

Popular Varieties of Alder Hedging Plants

Glutinosa Variety (Common Alder): Thriving in moist soils and often found near rivers and wetlands, the common alder grows quickly and forms a dense, attractive hedge. Its dark green, rounded leaves and catkin flowers add visual interest, while its nitrogen-fixing ability enhances soil fertility.

Cordata Variety (Italian Alder): Known for its heart-shaped leaves and rapid growth, the Italian alder suits UK gardens well. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and excels at erosion control. Its fast growth and robust nature make it reliable for forming a sturdy, evergreen hedge.

Incana Variety (Grey Alder): Featuring greyish bark and leaves, the grey alder grows quickly and offers particular hardiness. It works well in exposed sites and poor soils.

Features and Benefits

Alder hedging plants, with their dense foliage, form effective privacy screens and windbreaks. They grow rapidly, allowing for quick hedge establishment. Once established, alders require minimal maintenance. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages dense growth. Additionally, these plants have low toxicity, making them safe for gardens frequented by children and pets.

Different Root Types

Alder hedging plants come in various root types, catering to different planting needs and budgets:

Pot Grown Plants: Cultivated in containers, pot grown plants allow for year-round planting. They establish quickly and resist transplant shock, ensuring a healthy start for your hedge.

Bare Root Plants: A cost-effective option, bare root plants are typically planted during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring). They are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for larger planting projects.

Rootball Plants: Grown in the ground and then lifted with their roots intact in a soil ball, rootball plants establish well when planted during the dormant season. They are perfect for creating a strong, healthy hedge.

Note that these hedging plants are not considered instant hedging. They remain the most common option due to their affordability and wide range of root types and height options. Compared to more mature and established instant hedging units, alder hedging plants offer a budget-friendly solution for creating beautiful and effective hedges.

Conclusion

Alder hedging plants from Harrod Outdoors provide a versatile and economical solution for enhancing your garden or landscape. Whether you choose Alnus glutinosa for its soil-enhancing properties or Alnus cordata for its rapid growth and robust nature, these plants offer beauty, structure, and year-round greenery. Explore our selection of alder hedging plants and transform your outdoor space with their timeless appeal and practical benefits.