Description
Alder Hedging Plants – Alnus glutinosa
Our Alder Hedging Plants offer a versatile and hardy solution for creating natural boundaries in your garden. Featuring Alnus glutinosa, also known as Common Alder, these plants are ideal for establishing a fast-growing, native hedge that thrives in challenging conditions. Sold individually, Alder hedging plants allow you to shape and develop your hedge over time, making them different from pre-shaped Hedging Elements, one-meter Hedging Units for instant coverage, and thin Hedging Screens trained on frames. Alder provides a robust, adaptable hedge that enhances your outdoor space with both beauty and ecological benefits. Features of Alder
Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its ability to thrive in wet or poorly drained soils. Its rounded, dark green leaves appear early in spring, providing dense coverage throughout the growing season before turning yellow in autumn. Alder’s distinctive catkins appear in early spring, adding ornamental interest. This native species also has nitrogen-fixing roots, which improve soil fertility and benefit other nearby plants. Alder hedging can reach significant heights quickly, making it suitable for taller screens, windbreaks, and natural-looking boundaries. Benefits for Nature
Alder hedging supports local wildlife by creating habitats for birds and insects. Its dense foliage offers nesting spots for birds, while the catkins provide an early food source for pollinators. As a native tree, Alder plays an important role in supporting biodiversity, encouraging a variety of wildlife to thrive. The nitrogen-fixing ability of Alder also enhances the soil quality, making it a valuable addition to environmentally conscious landscaping projects. Landscaping and Design Appeal
Alder hedging works well in various landscaping styles, especially in naturalistic or woodland-themed gardens. It provides effective windbreaks and privacy screens, making it an excellent choice for rural properties or areas prone to harsh weather. You can also use Alder to create a boundary along waterways or damp areas where other plants may struggle. Its fast growth ensures quick results, while regular pruning allows you to manage its height and shape to fit your garden’s needs. Preferred Conditions
Alder grows exceptionally well in wet, heavy, or poorly drained soils, making it ideal for challenging sites. It also tolerates a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. Although it prefers full sun for optimal growth, it can tolerate partial shade. Alder is highly resilient and tolerates harsh conditions, including exposure to wind and flooding. Regular pruning will help maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage, particularly when grown as a hedge. Fun Fact
Alder wood has been used for centuries due to its water-resistant properties. It was traditionally used for building bridges, foundations, and even the famous Venetian canal supports. In folklore, Alder was considered a protective tree that could ward off evil spirits. Summary
Alder Hedging Plants (Alnus glutinosa) provide a resilient, native solution for creating natural boundaries, windbreaks, and privacy screens. With rapid growth, adaptability to wet conditions, and valuable ecological benefits, Alder hedging enhances both the beauty and sustainability of your garden. Disclaimer
The appearance and growth rate of your Alder Hedging Plants may vary depending on the planting site and maintenance practices. Regular pruning and suitable care will help keep the hedge healthy and attractive. Delivery
FREE Specialist Delivery Available
At Harrod Outdoors, we take pride in delivering top-quality plants with care and efficiency, directly to your doorstep. Our delivery options are tailored to suit the size and type of your plants, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition, ready to transform your outdoor space. With free specialist delivery available on qualifying orders across most of the UK, and clear delivery timelines of 10-15 working days (up to 30 for larger or custom orders), we make it simple and stress-free.
If you need help selecting the right plants or have specific delivery requirements, our friendly team is here to assist. You can trust us to handle your order with expertise every step of the way. View our Delivery Policy or Contact Us for more information.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions about Common Alder Hedging Plants – Alnus glutinosa
Is Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) a fast-growing hedge option?
Yes, Common Alder grows quickly, reaching up to 60 cm (about 2 feet) per year in ideal conditions. This fast growth makes it an excellent choice for establishing privacy hedges or boundary hedging where a quick cover is desired.
Can Common Alder thrive in wet or poor soil conditions?
Absolutely, Alnus glutinosa is one of the few hedging plants that tolerates wet and nutrient-poor soils. It even thrives in boggy or clay-heavy ground, making it a popular choice for areas with challenging soil conditions. Its roots fix nitrogen, which helps improve soil health over time.
Does Common Alder benefit wildlife and biodiversity?
Yes, Common Alder supports a wide range of wildlife. Its catkins provide early pollen for bees and other pollinators, while its dense foliage offers shelter to birds and small animals. Its nitrogen-fixing roots also enrich the soil, promoting a healthier ecosystem for surrounding plants.
How much maintenance does a Common Alder hedge require?
Common Alder is low-maintenance once established. It benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a neat shape, especially if grown as a formal hedge. While young plants need regular watering, mature plants are drought-tolerant, requiring little intervention, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
Is Common Alder suitable for erosion control or riverside planting?
Yes, Common Alder’s strong, fibrous root system makes it ideal for stabilizing soil on slopes, riverbanks, and flood-prone areas. Its roots help prevent erosion, and it can tolerate periodic flooding, making it a practical choice for areas needing soil stabilization.
Why Buy From Us
Free Nationwide Delivery
Enjoy free delivery on qualifying orders, making your purchase convenient and affordable.
Expert Advice at Your Fingertips
Benefit from personalized consultations with our horticultural specialists to find the perfect plants for your garden.
High-Quality Plants from Leading Growers
Our plants are sourced from Europe’s top growers, ensuring they are healthy, vibrant, and ready to thrive.
Extensive Variety to Suit Every Garden
Explore a wide selection of plants, trees, hedging, and topiary. Can’t find what you need? We’ll help source it for you.
Competitive Prices with No Compromise on Quality
Enjoy premium-quality plants and services at prices that fit your budget.
5-Star Aftercare Support
From detailed care and watering guides to expert advice just a call away, we’re here to assist you every step of the way—before, during, and after your purchase.
Minimum Order Quantities
At Harrod Outdoors, we want to provide you with the highest-quality plants and excellent service. To ensure efficiency and keep costs manageable, we’ve implemented minimum order quantities for bare root hedging plants and the smallest size of pot-grown plants (15-30cm). This policy helps us handle the sourcing, lifting, and transportation of these products more effectively.
When shopping with us, here are the minimum order quantities for our products:
Product Type | Size | Minimum Order Quantity | Order Increment |
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Bare Root Plants | 15-30cm | 100 plants | Step up by 5 |
30-50cm | 50 plants | Step up by 5 |
50-70cm | 25 plants | Step up by 5 |
71cm+ | 10 plants | Step up by 1 |
Pot Grown Plants | 15-30cm | 50 plants | Step up by 5 |