{"title":"Non-toxic to animals Woodland Shrubs","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"blackthorn-prunus-spinosa","title":"Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Blackthorn bare root plants (Prunus spinosa)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Blackthorn bare root hedging plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Blackthorn whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have 2 year old Blackthorn transplants (1+1) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is a very important species for us (second only to hawthorn) so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the best batch for your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is the first of the native farm hedging species to burst into flower in late March\/April, before its leaves open, and its autumn fruit (called “sloes”) are blue black coloured berries which are added to gin to make sloe gin.  Spiny, woody stems make an excellent livestock proof hedge (second only to Hawthorn) and it is suited to moist soils as well as normal soils. As well as being a staple of farm hedgerows all across Britain it is also sometimes found as a small shrubby tree in woodland settings or scrub land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt puts out suckers so that gradually, over the years, it will spread in width to make a completely impenetrable hedge but you can mow off or dig out the suckers if you do not want it to spread. Cattle browsing will contain sucker growth but it is less suitable for arable fields or horse paddocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the second most popular native hedging species (second only to Hawthorn) with enormous wildlife value with over 150 different types of insects feeding and living on it which then feed birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreferring full sunlight, Blackthorn does well on wetter, well drained (not waterlogged) soils and is often found in woodlands, copses, scrub land and is a very common component in mixed native hedgerows.  It is hardy and can withstand salt-laden, windy conditions so can be used in coastal situations. It can also be used as a single species hedge as shown in our photograph.  A mature Blackthorn hedge can become very wide and impenetrable which is terrific protection for wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not commonly known that blackthorn is toxic to horses so we do not recommend it for hedging around horse paddocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are small, dark green, a narrow oval shape, finely toothed and only appear after the flowers have finished.  Leaves are a food source for moths (including the Emperor Moth and Black Hairstreak) and butterflies and birds feast on their caterpillars.  Blackthorn has spines at the end of branches so that birds, but not cows, can get at the ripened sloe berries.  The thorns are very aggressive so it is not recommended for children's play areas or beside a footpath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering is profuse – a cloud-like smothering over the whole bush (especially if it has not been trimmed in the previous autumn because it flowers on old wood).  Fruit develops from pollinated flowers and by late September its bitter blue\/black berries (the size of eating blueberries) which are pricked with a skewer and then soaked in gin and sugar to produce sloe gin. Don’t wait for sloes to ripen – they will always be hard when picked and you have to get to them before the birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and dark grey-brown.  Blackthorn is used to make walking sticks because the young wood is straight, hard, smooth and has an attractive black\/maroon sheen. It is used to make the authentic \u003cem\u003esail eille\u003c\/em\u003e (translated to shillelagh in English), which are the Irish folklore walking sticks and it is thought that Parliament's Black Rod's knocking stick is made of blackthorn too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature height is about 5m but Blackthorn is easy to keep trimmed to a hedging height of 2-3m and takes well to hedge laying.  Growth rate is average (about 40cm pa).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is one of the main components in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/mixed-native-bare-root-hedging-packs-grant-eligible?variant=51801735627099\"\u003emixed native hedging\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-native-hedging-packs\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e- often being swapped for Hawthorn for wetter soils. it is one of the cheapest plants we grow so you can reduce the cost of mixed hedging by increasing the proportion of Blackthorn and reducing the proportion of the additional species (like field maple or dog rose) that are more expensive (but take care if you are using a Countryside Stewardship Grant to make sure sufficient species are being used in the expected proportions).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUses of Blackthorn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is used a great deal in mixed hedging (especially conservation hedging and livestock-proof hedging) and as a woodland shrub and it is especially good as a cover for game birds.  It suckers from below ground so hedging incorporating a high proportion of blackthorn is always dense at the base.  The sloes are made into slow gin. The branches are popular with walking stick makers.  Prunings can be used as firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724748123,"sku":"Pr spinosa 3040 1+0","price":0.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724780891,"sku":"Pr spinosa 3040 1+1","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724846427,"sku":"Pr spinosa 4060 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724879195,"sku":"Pr spinosa 4060 1+1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724911963,"sku":"Pr spinosa 6080 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724944731,"sku":"Pr spinosa 6080 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683961734-81553000_4b4359f9-888a-4ddd-9557-97ebcafc4b9a.jpg?v=1770027408"},{"product_id":"beech-fagus-sylvatica","title":"Beech (Fagus sylvatica)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Beech (Fagus sylvatica) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Beech bare root plants in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 2 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in the same position in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy 2 year old plant. In early spring we undercut the roots to encourage fibrous root development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have beech transplants which begin as one year old whips which are lifted, have their roots manually trimmed to encourage bushy growth and are then planted back out for one or more growing seasons in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll the bare root plants described above are available in the November to April bare root season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBeech is one of our top selling species so we always have several batches of seed including UK Select Stand (ideal where the trees are being grown for timber production), UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll of the Beech plants we sell are suitable as hedging plants or can be allowed to grow as full size trees.   We grow the vast majority of them ourselves in Herefordshire, only occasionally buying in larger stock from other trusted British growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBeech (Fagus sylvatica) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeech is brilliant for hedging as well as a majestic tree on its own but more often found in woods.  As a hedging plant, it can be trimmed to a formal shape and because it holds most of its leaves throughout winter (only pushed off by new growth in spring), a phenomenon known as marcescence, it provides winter cover though technically it is a deciduous plant.  As a tree it grows tall (up to 40m) with smooth grey bark and has a large spreading crown.  Beech woodlands provide wonderful environments for all sorts of shade tolerant plants and associated wildlife.  Beech woods are atmospheric places in autumn when leaves and masts have fallen and carpet the ground in a copper colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes referred to as the \"queen of British trees\", consort to the English Oak's king, it is associated with femininity, the mother or empress of the woodland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery few nurseries in the UK grow beech bare root plants - but we grow most specifications ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bareroothedging.vscommerce.co.uk\/blog\/the-differences-between-beech-and-hornbeam\/\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/the-differences-between-beech-and-hornbeam\"\u003eblog on the differences between Beech and Hornbeam\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to well drained soils where there is good summer rainfall (look at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/hornbeam-carpinus-betulus\"\u003eHornbeam\u003c\/a\u003e for a similar hedging plant better suited to damper soils).  It is native to the south east and south west of the UK (and most of Europe) but generally performs really well in all UK locations (particularly chalky uplands and limestone soils) though it can be sensitive to winter frost so best to avoid known frost pockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaf buds are like little brown torpedoes in shape which fatten and unfurl beautifully over the course of a few days to a delicate light green fluttery leaf, which gradually matures to mid green before turning autumnal coloured and eventually into a solid copper colour.  Leaves are mostly held on the tree or hedge in winter (though some will drop) which is a process called marcescens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot really a “flowering” species, it nevertheless does have male and female flowers on the same plant.  Male flowers are little catkins and female flowers are little green flowers in pairs protected by a cup like a spiny husk, which becomes woody and holds one or two beech “nuts” called “beechmast” which cover the ground in autumn in beech woodlands and are eaten by squirrels, birds, and mice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buds, leaves and branches have an alternate pattern and the leaves are oval with straight, parallel veins that run from the central rib to the edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is quite smooth and grey in colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large dense canopy helps Beech play a vital role in the ecosystems of woodlands, creating an environment where only shade-tolerant plants will grow, providing sustenance for caterpillars and moths and the nuts and seeds sustain many small woodland birds and mammals.  The trees are also relatively long-living (around 300 years) which allows it to become a habitat for deadwood specialists like wood-boring insects and hole-nesting birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor hedging, Beech is good at all heights between 1m and 3m though it can be grown taller (see the Meikleour beech hedge near Blairgowrie which is 30m tall and gets pruned only every 10 years - which takes 2 tree climbers 6 weeks!) and as a tree it is tall (one of the UK's tallest native trees), elegant and sinuous, growing to 40m, sometimes taller.  Beech has an average growth rate.  Young plants will grow by about 40cm pa.  Beech is not long living like oak or yew but it is as much part of our landscape and one of the most beautiful of all broadleaved trees in all seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFagaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725469019,"sku":"Fagus2040 1U1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725567323,"sku":"Fagus 4060 1U1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725600091,"sku":"Fagus 6080 1U1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725632859,"sku":"Fagus 80100 1U1","price":2.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725534555,"sku":"Fagus 80100 1+2","price":3.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725665627,"sku":"Fagus 100125 1+2","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"125\/150cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725698395,"sku":"Fagus 12150 1+2","price":5.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683961294-75792200_0214fe55-8951-4fa3-a5f9-833bb1375dd4.jpg?v=1770027409"},{"product_id":"hornbeam-carpinus-betulus","title":"Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Hornbeam bare root plants (Carpinus betulus)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Hornbeam bare root plants in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in the same positions in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy 2 year old plant. The roots are trimmed underneath the soil by a specialised machine to help develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have Hornbeam transplants which begin as one year old whips which are lifted, have their roots trimmed to encourage bushy growth and are then planted back out for one or more growing seasons in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSome of our Hornbeam hedging plants are chunky mature specimens, ideal for creating virtually an instant hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHornbeam is one of our top selling species so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance , sometimes Select Stand, and often also one of the highest quality imported Select Stand imported seeds, so if the seed provenance is particularly important to you, please give us a call.   This is a blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e which explains this topic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll of the plants we sell are suitable as hedging plants or can be allowed to grow as full size trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eYou can read more about the various specifications we offer in each species on the tab just below our pricing table to the right of this product description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHornbeam (Carpinus betulus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly all descriptions of Hornbeam start with “Very similar to beech other than …” and we’ll be no different!   The attributes that are like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/beech-fagus-sylvatica\"\u003ebeech\u003c\/a\u003e are that it keeps most of its leaves through winter and it can be tightly pruned as a hedge or grown as a deciduous broadleaf tree.  The differences are that the leaves are finely toothed, go brown (rather than copper colour) in winter and it’s better suited to damp soils. It is native to the south of the UK but widely planted throughout the UK. Hornbeam wood is the hardest wood in Europe, and it is thought the common name derives from it being used as oxen yokes, attached to their horns, hence hornbeam and was also used to build Roman chariots due to the strength of the wood. See our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/the-differences-between-beech-and-hornbeam\"\u003eblog on the differences between beech and hornbeam\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHornbeam is good in heavy to loamy, moist soils particularly in central southern England – but not so wet that alder, willow or Black poplar would be more appropriate.  It prefers neutral to acid soils. For dry soils with a similar appearance to Hornbeam, look at beech instead. Hornbeam grows well in full sun, partial shade or even full shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves opening from fat buds, appear pleated until they are fully open and then you can see that the pleats are actually deep ribs in the centre of each leaf. The leaves have serrated edges and turn a lovely golden colour in autumn before the colour fades to a greyish brown for winter.  Some leaves drop in autumn but most stay on the tree or hedge providing excellent winter cover for wildlife and then the leaves drop in spring as the new buds burst.   It has male and female “flowers” on the same plant (catkin like) which are wind pollinated and turn into papery winged nutlets and are eaten by small birds. Male catkins are twice as long as the female catkins. The musculur trunk and flame-like bark is pale grey and smooth, vertically fluted or corrugated as it matures, and the twigs can be slightly hairy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a broadleaf tree, Hornbeam will grow to about 20m with a rounded bushy crown.  It can be coppiced.  As a hedge, or a component within a mixed hedge, it is best at about 1.5m to 3m height. Growth rate is average – young plants will grow by about 50cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don’t grow Hornbeam to the height required for pleached trees, but Hornbeam is one of the most popular varieties for DIY pleaching because of its very straight trunks and the holding on through winter of most of its leaves.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as common hornbeam and European hornbeam.  Betulacaea family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725927771,"sku":"Carpinus 2040 1U1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726091611,"sku":"Carpinus40601U1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725993307,"sku":"Carpinus 6080 1U1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726026075,"sku":"Carpinus 801001U1","price":2.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726058843,"sku":"Carpinus 100125 1U1","price":2.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726124379,"sku":"Carpinus 100125 1+2","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"125\/150cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726157147,"sku":"Carpinus 120150 1+2","price":5.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143786-62867800_e412c575-588c-4c14-bf0d-75dc74a4d5fe.jpg?v=1770027414"},{"product_id":"common-alder-alnus-glutinosa","title":"Alder - Common (Alnus glutinosa)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bare root trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlder grows well from seed into a bare root tree in just one growing season.   The seedlings we offer (sometimes called whips) are grown from seed sown in open fields in spring and become a viable tree sapling by the following November and we sell them from November through until April. We have bare root Alder whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seed from which our Alnus glutinosa tree saplings are grown is usually UK provenance but we sometimes also have some of the highest quality imported seed so if it is particularly important to you to have UK seed provenance, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAlder (Alnus glutinosa) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften chosen because it is so well suited to wetter soils and riverbanks Common Alder also does well on normal soils. There are many other attributes to this lovely tree\/hedging plant.  It has a tidy conical habit, is very fast growing initially, is native, has female catkins in March, comes into leaf early and then holds its leaves well into winter, and in autumn has attractive little cones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a favoured species of tree for windbreaks around orchards, second only to\u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-alder-alnus-cordata\"\u003e Alnus cordata \u003c\/a\u003e– please see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/the-best-species-of-tree-to-use-as-a-windbreak\"\u003eblog on orchard windbreaks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blog\/the-best-species-of-tree-to-use-as-a-windbreak-around-an-apple-orchard\/\"\u003e.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease be aware that Alder varieties are deep rooted so don’t plant near a building, road or paved area which could suffer damage from the roots.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn ideal tree or hedging plant for boggy ground and will even tolerate its roots being underwater for weeks on end so very much the tree to choose for flood risk areas where it helps to prevent soil erosion.  It doesn’t rot in standing water but actually the wood just gets stronger. As well as it’s suitability to wet soils, it is highly tolerant of air pollution so is ideal for roadsides and urban planting schemes and it does not require a wet soil to thrive – it will be absolutely fine on normal soil.  It has nitrogen fixing capability so it will not only thrive on poor soils but will enhance the soil and is an ideal tree for ground reclamation.  Common alder is good in full sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst there are many varieties of Alder, Alnus glutinosa is the only variety native to the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne particularly good attribute of Common Alder is that it comes into leaf early and it holds onto its leaves late so although it is deciduous, it is without its leaves for a relatively short time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has early male catkins (a good source of early nectar and pollen for bees and a wide range of insects) and small female cones in autumn (strobiles) which hang on the tree like Christmas baubles, opening to disperse seed on wind and water. The seeds are eaten by birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are quite large, dark green, shiny, shaped like a tennis racquet and indented at the end (so there is no pointed tip).  They emerge from greyish\/purplish buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlder produces tough and durable light wood which is rot resistant and was frequently used for boat building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlders can be trimmed as a hedge, allowed to grow as a tall windbreak, or as a tree it will grow to about 20m with a conical shape.  It is fast growing when young (up to 2m pa) in the right situation.  Alder trees live for about 60 years, longer if coppiced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Black Alder or European Alder.  Betulaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726452059,"sku":"Alnus glut 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726517595,"sku":"Alnus glut 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726550363,"sku":"Alnus glut 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683962276-88202000_a4cb4319-0655-4450-9c4f-2149616010f1.jpg?v=1770027415"},{"product_id":"hazel-corylus-avellana","title":"Hazel (Corylus avellana)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Hazel bare root plants (Corylus avellana)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Hazel bare root hedging plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Hazel whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Hazel transplants (1+1) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water. Again these are all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHazel is one of our most important species so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance and some of the highest quality imported seed, so if it is particularly important to you to have UK seed provenance (see blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e) please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHazel (Corylus avellana) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDripping with yellow “lambs’ tails” catkins in spring (before the leaves appear) and then covered in green hazel nuts in autumn (until the squirrels and dormice strip the tree before you can get to them!), Hazel is an excellent native plant for hedging or as an understorey woodland shrub although it needs open, light conditions to flower and produce its very nutritious nuts.  It grows to about 10m but is often coppiced (to harvest the stems), has large green leaves which provide good shade and wildlife protection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a wood, Hazel's contribution lies in it's ability to self-coppice, regularly sending up new straight shoots from the base of the trunk so much so that sometimes it is difficult to tell if it has been coppiced by humans or not.  Hazel's value lies in it's pliabilityand the ease with which the rods split.  In a managed setting hazel is normally coppiced every 7 or 8 years and fresh shoots can grow over a metre in the first year.  In the last century, the area under coppice in Britain has fallen from 500,000 acres to less than 100,000 acres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHazel is a very commonly found shrubby plant grown all across the UK, Europe and even into Africa – so it is suitable for all but the highest, coldest, wettest situations, with a preference for moisture-retentive, acid to neutral soil, grown in full sun, partial shade or even full shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Hazel are green in spring and summer, turning yellow in autumn.  Leaves are relatively large and rounded\/oval with a pointed tip, and a hairy surface on the underside which makes them feel soft to the touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth, grey\/brown, can peel and is flexible thus Hazel is often coppiced for it’s long straight flexible stems which can be put to many uses – in a “dead hedge”, for hazel (called “hurdles”) or plant supports, thatching or making furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Hazel has both male and female flowers on the same plant, it must be pollinated by pollen from other trees.  The male catkins are long and yellow and absolutely swathe the tree\/bush in late winter (sometimes as early as January) before the leaves appear.   The pollen and nectar are needed by early flyng insects.  Pollen is shed onto little red female tasels and those pollinated will produce nuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruits are edible hazelnuts (though there are specialist varieties like Kent Cob if you are looking for a nut to grow as a food) but you’ll be lucky to get to eat any of them because squirrels, dormice, woodpeckers, wood pigeons, and jays will harvest them the instant they are ripe  They are held in small clusters of 2 or 3 nuts, partially enclosed in leafy husk like bracts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and shiny, pale grey-brown to greenish brown with horizontal lenticels (pores through which the shrub breathes) up the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf left to grow, Hazel will get to about 10m as a multi-stem bush but it is often coppiced when it reaches about 4m.  Growth rate is above average – about 50cm pa.   It responds really well to hard pruning and hedge laying.  As a hedging plant, it is best kept at 2-4m height.   It makes a bulky shrub so the proportion of Hazel in a mixed hedge can be quite low – 10% or even 5%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoppicing (felling the tree stump near ground level and allowing shoots to regrow) can extend the life of a hazel tree from about 80 years to several hundred years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetulacaea family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727697243,"sku":"Corylus 3040 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Cell grown","offer_id":51801727730011,"sku":"Corylus2060CG","price":1.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727795547,"sku":"Corylus 4060 1+0","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727828315,"sku":"Corylus 4060 1+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727861083,"sku":"Corylus 6080 1+0","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727893851,"sku":"Corylus 6080 1+1","price":1.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727664475,"sku":"Corylus 801001+0","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727762779,"sku":"Corylus 80100 1+1","price":2.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143576-49837600_77d9715c-fcf2-49b7-a239-6063934eed9a.jpg?v=1770027425"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-malus-sylvestris","title":"Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root crab apple plants (Malus sylvestris)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root crab apple trees or hedging in several sizes.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old.  We have crab apple bare root whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalus sylvestris is an important species for us so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of these plants are suitable as hedging plants or can be allowed to grow as full size trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrab Apple (Malus sylvestris) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many cultivated varieties of crab apple but the one we grow is the wild one and the parent of many of the named varieties of crab apple and eating apple trees.  Its common name relates to the small yellow\/green “apples” which are devoured by birds in autumn.  It’s a very pretty small tree with white blossom emerging from pinkish buds. It offers very good wildlife value, with over 100 different types of insects feeding and living on it, and those in turn feeding a wide range of birds and small mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrab apples like heavy, moist, well drained soils even clay.  They are commonly used in mixed farm hedging and as small woodland trees or shrubs providing very wildlife friendly low cover.  Best flowering will be achieved if grown in full sun but Malus sylvestris will tolerate partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, fruit and flowers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaves are small (about 6mcm) green and oval shaped with a serrated edge, dark green on the upper surface and pale grey-green and felted underneath.  Leaf colour changes to yellow in autumn.  Generally flowering is profuse, with pinkish \"apple blossom\" buds opening to small bee friendly white scented flowers with yellow stamens and pollinated flowers then develop into small apple like fruits which are greenish\/yellow in colour and are edible but not particularly tasty for humans.  There are lots of crab apple named varieties that have been bred for culinary purposes, but the wild ones are absolutely loved by birds, especially blackbirds and thrushes, and mammals.   This is one of the few types of tree that can host mistletoe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is reddish brown when young, becoming grey-brown, rough, furrowed and flaky as it ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrab apples are small, compact trees with a mature height of about 10m, and average growth rate.  It is easy to keep at farm hedging height or allow to grow into a hedgerow tree.  The relatively low height and high wildlife value make it a great addition to woodland planting as a small tree or shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as wild crab.  Rosaceae family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728188763,"sku":"Malus 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728254299,"sku":"Malus 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728287067,"sku":"Malus 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683966012-48063600_077ad354-91d9-42fd-92d1-d26373285848.jpg?v=1770027426"},{"product_id":"dog-rose-rosa-canina","title":"Dog Rose (Rosa canina)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Dog Rose bare root plants (Rosa canina)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root dog rose hedging plants in several sizes.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old. We also have 2 year old 1+1 2 year old specification plants, grown as a seedling in the first year and then transplanted to grow on strongly with wider spacing giving access to more nutrients and moisture.  We have dog rose bare root whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of dog rose including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDog Rose (Rosa canina) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the most common of the four native wild roses that are often seen in mixed country hedging, the others being field rose (Rosa arvensis), the sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) and the downy rose (Rosa tomentosa).  Dog rose is extremely thorny, puts out long flexible stems with pretty and quite large pink and white open single rose flowers and then in autumn it has red rose hips.   It can be hard pruned to keep it hedge height and will cope with hedge laying, or it can be left to become a shrub in woodland setting that is not overly shaded because they do like some sunshine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDog Rose is very commonly found throughout the UK.  It will grow on all soil types and in every situation, however inhospitable. It flowers in June after Hawthorn and Blackthorn have finished and is often the only flowering plant in long stretches of farm hedgerows at that time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDog roses are found in many farm and country hedges and on the sunnier edges of woodlands and scrub land but will also grow and flower in partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are like cultivated rose leaves, quite dark green, pointed, finely toothed, alternating up the stem, held in pairs.  Flowers are open, pale pink or pink and white, 5 petalled and with many stamens – brilliant for insects. The flowering period is generally late April or early May so it extends the flowering period of country hedging which starts in March with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/blackthorn-prunus-spinosa\"\u003eBlackthorn\u003c\/a\u003e, then \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/hawthorn-hedging-crataegus-monogyna\"\u003eHawthorn\u003c\/a\u003e in April and then Dog Rose and also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/elder-sambucus-nigra?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=elder\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\"\u003eElder\u003c\/a\u003e later in the month and running into May\/June when \u003ca href=\"\/products\/buckthorn-alder-rhamnus-frangula\"\u003eAlder buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e and\/or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/buckthorn-purging-rhamnus-cathartica\"\u003ePurging buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e can extend the flowering season. Fruits are juicy orange\/red oval rose hips and develop in September and October, often with very many on each plant.  The fruits are a food source for many birds. The thorns on Dog Rose are curved so that it can cling on to other species of plant as it grows – its thorny tangled stems help to make a stock proof hedge impenetrable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe young wood is smooth and green but becomes grey, tough and fissured with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf not trimmed to hedge height Dog rose will grow to about 3m, a bit more in perfect conditions.  Growth rate is quite fast – putting out long shoots each year after pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as wild rose.  Rosaceae family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728942427,"sku":"Rosacan 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728975195,"sku":"Rosacan 40601+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729007963,"sku":"Rosacan 6080 1+1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729073499,"sku":"Rosacan 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729106267,"sku":"Rosacan 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683966423-59373000_eff1435b-3f13-4064-95ec-56e0363967dc.jpg?v=1770027431"},{"product_id":"hawthorn-hedging-crataegus-monogyna","title":"Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Hawthorn bare root plants (Crataegus monogyna)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Hawthorn bare root hedging plants (can also be used as small trees) in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 1 year old plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Hawthorn whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Hawthorn transplants (1+1, 2 year old plants) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water. Again these are all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell more hawthorn plants than any other species so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance (in the coming season we will have 4 different UK provenance batches) plus some of the highest quality imported seed (often more resistant to mildew) so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe UK countryside wouldn’t look as it does without the native Hawthorn hedges, particularly in May when its creamy white and pink scented blossom covers every country hedge and road verge up and down the land. It is the backbone of farm hedging due to its thorny and dense stock-proof habit (great for wildlife habitat), profuse flowering (great for pollinating insects – it is thought to support over 200 different types of insects) and equally profuse red berries (called haws) which cover it in autumn until eaten by birds (especially fieldfares, waxwings, blackbirds, and thrushes).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawthorn is used in many settings - it can be grown as a hedgerow or standalone small tough tree (and in this case it will produce even more berries due to not being trimmed allowing it to flower and then produce berries on old wood), used as a single species hedge, as a woodland shrub or most popular of all, it is often the main component of a mixed native stock proof hedge (see our separate page for bare root \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-native-bare-root-hedging-packs-eligible-for-stewardship-bn7-and-bn11-grants\"\u003emixed native hedging packs\u003c\/a\u003e). It is well suited to hedge laying.  It is hard to know when Hawthorn became popular as a hedging plant but it is thought that in the period of the Parliamentary enclosures of land, 200,000 miles of \"quickset\" hedges were planted across Britain (quickthorn or thorn still being common names that are frequently used today).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawthorn is suited to all soil types other than boggy ground and is good in sun or shade. It’s particularly recommended for exposed sites, even at reasonably high altitudes and copes well at the coast. It is non-toxic which contributes to its use in farm hedging where livestock might graze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawthorn is one of our most important species for wildlife shelter and defence, for wildlife sustenance and a boundary marker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Hawthorn are about 6cm long with many toothed deep lobes (at least halfway to the mid rib). They grow on long shoots and emerge early in spring as bright green and then darken as the summer progresses until they are really quite dark green. The leaves turn yellow in autumn, and it is fully deciduous. The spines on Hawthorn are modified branches that grow just above new buds to protect the plant from browsing animals.  The new leaves on Hawthorn attract larvae as a perfectly timed \"protein surge\" for birds feeding their young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers have 5 petals and grow in flat topped clusters and when we say they are profuse we're not exaggerating.  The autumnal berries called haws are small, red and shiny and held in clusters. Each haw contains just one hard-shelled seed.  The flowers and leaves when freshly picked were known as \"bread and cheese\" - a popular springtime snack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBark is brown\/grey and fissured (great for little insects to hide in which increases the attractiveness of the species to birds) - it is said that hawthorn is a biologically important hedging species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buds, leaves and branches have an alternate pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is hard to work and because it grows in multiple trunks, it is of little use other than as firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a tree, it will grow to a height of about 15m and can either be single stemmed with a dense crown or more likely will grow into a  shrubby, multi-stemmed tree. It is fast growing (young plants will grow by about 40cm pa) and can tolerate hard pruning at any time of the year (though definitely not before 31 July to allow baby birds to fledge) but is most often pruned in late autumn or preferably very early spring, leaving the haws as winter food for birds and small mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers and fruits on “old wood” which is why you so often see little flower or haws at low levels where hedging has been trimmed and then more profuse flowers\/haws higher up (or on Hawthorn trees) where it has not been trimmed. To maximise flowering\/haw production in hedging, don’t trim it every year, or leave some areas untrimmed. In a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/mixed-native-bare-root-hedging-packs-grant-eligible?variant=51801735627099\"\u003emixed hedge\u003c\/a\u003e, hawthorn is generally the dominant species (unless its wet soil where blackthorn\u003ca href=\"\/products\/blackthorn-prunus-spinosa-v2\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003ewould be better), and because Hawthorn is not a bulky plant, and is the least expensive of all hedging plants available, it often makes up 50% or even more of plants in a mixed hedge. You can reduce the cost of a mixed hedge by planting more hawthorn interspersed with fewer of the additional species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Thorn, May Blossom, Quickthorn and Quicksets or sometimes just as Quick hedging.  Rosaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":52150050685275,"sku":"Cratmono2030 1+1","price":0.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"25-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":52150050718043,"sku":"Cratmonog2560 1+0","price":0.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730384219,"sku":"Cratmono 3040 1+0","price":0.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730449755,"sku":"Cratmono30401+1","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730482523,"sku":"Cratmono 4060 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730515291,"sku":"Cratmono 4060 1+1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730548059,"sku":"Cratmono 6080 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730580827,"sku":"Cratmono 6080 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730613595,"sku":"Cratmono 80100 1+1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730646363,"sku":"Cratmono 100125 1+1 1+1","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684161767-55012400_f5fcc204-a62d-4817-84d0-8f21408352e0.jpg?v=1770027443"},{"product_id":"purging-buckthorn-rhamnus-cathartica","title":"Buckthorn - Purging (Rhamnus cathartica)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have bare root Rhamnus cathartica plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 2 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in the field and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant. We trim their roots underground with a specialised machine which helps to develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Rhamnus cathartica including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePurging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA spiny small tree or large shrub, named after the purging affect of the berries (beware!).  This is a native shrub similar in appearance to \u003ca href=\"\/search?q=dogwood\"\u003edogwood\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alder-buckthorn-rhamnus-frangula\"\u003ealder buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e (it prefers drier soils to alder buckthorn) but with spiny branches and with leaves held opposite rather than alternate.  It’s a great choice for shade or sunlight and its leaves are the main food stuff for the brimstone butterfly as well as providing pollen and nectar for pollinating insects.  It makes a really good addition to a mixed hedge because its spiny branches provide good nesting sites, it has wildlife friendly flowers and berries and will be covered in brimstone butterflies if planted into a south facing hedgerow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis blog summarises the\u003ca href=\"\/blog\/the-differences-between-rhamus-cathartica-and-rhamnus-frangula\/\"\u003e differences between Purging Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurging buckthorn is a tough, hardy tree\/shrub and will grow in virtually all soils in sun or shade, beside streams in soils that retail some moisture in dry seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit of Purging buckthorn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of are quite distinctive with curved veins which come together at the tip. They are quite large (up to 9cm), matt green in summer, turning yellow in autumn and are finely toothed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are small, yellow-green, and are pollinated by insects and it comes into flower later than many other native species of hedgerow plants – during May and June – which extends the flowering season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit (called drupes) are black berries the size of blackcurrants, with a strong purging, laxative affect if eaten by humans, cattle and horses but are popular with birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is pale grey-brown, fissured on older plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaximum height is about 10m (a small tree) but Purging buckthorn can also be trimmed as a hedge.  Growth rate is average at about 30cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRhamnaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732645211,"sku":"Rhamnus cath 2040 1U1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732677979,"sku":"Rhamnus cath 4060 1U1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732710747,"sku":"Rhamnus cath 6080 1U1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144809-44280000_607f8a31-6ccd-480c-97cd-a1593f220e8a.jpg?v=1770027458"},{"product_id":"red-ramanas-rose-rosa-rugosa-rubra","title":"Ramanas Rose (Rosa rugosa Rubra)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Rosa rugosa bare root plants (Ramanas rose)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have bare root Rosa rugosa hedging plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in the field and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant. Their roots are undercut by a specialised machine to help develp a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have the white flowering variety which is called \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ramanas-rose-white-rosa-rugosa-alba\"\u003eRosa rugosa Alba\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRamanus Rose (Rosa rugosa Rubra) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rosa rugosa is a very striking woodland shrub or hedging plant.  Normally “rubra” in the name would mean “red” but actually the flowers are a strong dark pink colour.  It is easily identified by its huge orange rose hips, the size of a small tomato.  It is very prickly, and it grows suckers from the root so it gradually forms a thicket of prickly growth which is fantastic for wildlife protection.  One of its common names is beach rose and it is indeed good at the coast but also due to its salt resistance, it is good in those highway schemes which are de-iced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosa rugosa is a relatively recent introduction from Japan, and is a useful tough amenity hedging plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very robust plant suitable for sun or shade (damp shade or dry shade), even wet positions, and any normal soil.  Whilst it will be fine in most conditions, the ideal conditions are moist, well drained soil in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Rosa rugosa are typical rose leaves - large (up to 15cm), pinnate with up to 9 leaflets (but usually 7) each leaflet about 3 – 4cm long, hairy on the underside.  They are green in spring and summer and turn yellow in autumn, holding well on the plant and looking very autumnal with the yellow foliage and orange red rose hips.  The open 5 petalled flowers are showy both in colour and size, and are lightly scented.  The fruits are very large and occasionally you will see flowers and fruits on the plant at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosa rugosa will grow to about 2m and forms a very thick hedge or shrub.  Growth rate is average at 30-45cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as beach rose, Japanese Rose and letchberry.  Rosaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"xmsonormal\"\u003eThis species should not be planted in the wild, in accordance with the Wildlife \u0026amp; Countryside Act 1981 Section 12, Schedule 9 Part 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732972891,"sku":"Rosa rug pink 3040 1U1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801733038427,"sku":"Rosa rug pink 4060 1U1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144967-60826000_2dd5c6f1-1348-4114-8204-1e02a614d8fc.jpg?v=1770027459"},{"product_id":"alder-buckthorn-rhamnus-frangula","title":"Buckthorn - Alder (Rhamnus frangula)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Alder buckthorn bare root plants (Rhamnus frangula)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe normally have Alder buckthorn bare root trees or hedging plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eWe have Alder buckthorn bare root whips in several heights. All of these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire so you are buying \"direct from the grower\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAlder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlder buckthorn likes wetter areas, thriving in wet riverbanks and bogs but it will cope also with normal moisture levels.  Along with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/purging-buckthorn-rhamnus-cathartica\"\u003eRhamnus cathartica\u003c\/a\u003e, the leaves are a main food stuff for the Brimstone butterfly and it has other wildlife value with flowers attractive to bees and berries for birds, particularly thrushes.  Although having “thorn” in the name would imply it is a thorny plant, in fact is it not thorny (unlike Rhamnus cathartica which is spiny).  We have a blog on the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/the-differences-between-rhamus-cathartica-and-rhamnus-frangula\/\"\u003edifferences between Rhamnus frangula and Rhamnus cathartica.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWetter ground in hedgerows, bogs, scrubland and woodlands, beside ditches and streams, ideally in full or partial sunlight and acidic soil, though it will tolerate neutral soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Alder buckthorn are matt green, oval, up to 7cm in length, with a pointed tip and taper towards the base, and are arranged alternately on the stem and the stems themselves are purplish-brown.   The leaves are one of the very few foodstuffs for brimstone butterflies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ein May\/June, alder buckthorn produces greenish-cream flowers which are star shaped and are held in large clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruits are reddish\/purple berries, darkening to black, popular with thrushes and other birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and purple-brown with white corky cells when young, becoming grey-brown as it matures, but still retaining some pale markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height if left to grow as a shrubby, delicate tree would be about 5m but this plant is more often grown as part of a hedgerow where it is easily kept at 2- 3m height.  Growth rate is average at about 40cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRhamnaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734185307,"sku":"Rhfrang20401+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683960715-85800900_b0e023c3-9962-4301-bf76-072c63fe0f83.jpg?v=1770027468"},{"product_id":"native-spindle-euonymus-europaeus","title":"Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Spindle bare root plants (Euonymus europeaus)\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings which were planted from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have Spindle as a transplant (1+1 2 year old plants) which are seedlings, lifted in the winter when we manually trim their roots and then we replant them in spring in a different area of our farm with wider spacing to give each plant access to more space, moisture and nutrients and this makes for a bushy, strong plant.  If you are claiming a grant under the Countryside Stewardship scheme, you need to order 1+1 plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe often have several batches of seed provenance for this species including UK provenance and sometimes some of the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll of the above plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpindle (Euonymus europaeus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpindle is a great addition to any hedgerow or woodland with stunning autumn colour, thanks to the abundant eye popping pink capsules and orange coated seeds which persist long after the leaves drop, and a great deal of wildlife value.  Its common name derives from the fact that its wood was made into spinning spindles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be unusual to see a country hedge with a large proportion of Spindle in it, but a smattering here and there is good for wildlife and adds an attractive autumn colour via the red leaves and stunning berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLess commonly found in Scotland, Spindle is found across all of England and Wales on chalkier soils although it will tolerate all other soil types.  It flowers and berries best in full sun or light partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are oval with a pointed tip and very fine serrations on the edges and it has overall a slightly wavy appearance.  They turn a good dark red colour in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are small, greenish\/yellow and are held in large clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries are the most striking aspect of Spindle – shocking pink fruits enclose bright orange seeds – a clashing combination sure to catch the eye.  Please note that the fruits are toxic to humans and horses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stems are a distinctive feature with grey corky bark and ridges along the length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpindle will grow up to about 7m in ideal conditions but more often matures at about 4m, with a quite slow growth rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelastraceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734447451,"sku":"Euonymus 2040 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734512987,"sku":"Euonymus 40601+1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734545755,"sku":"Euonymus 60801+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146425-18437900_caf94132-7423-4115-af47-0649fd4f6ae1.jpg?v=1770027470"},{"product_id":"red-dogwood-cornus-alba","title":"Dogwood - Red (Cornus alba)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Red Dogwood (Cornus alba) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Cornus alba bare root hedging plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months when they are dormant ie they are 1 year old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Cornus alba transplants (1+1, 2 year old plants) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRed Dogwood (Cornus alba) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing much of a plant until winter when it’s red stems brighten the bare brown hedging.  Its leaves feed caterpillars of some moths, the pungent creamy white flowers are insect friendly, and the blue berries are popular with robins and other birds.  Dogwood is not suitable for hedge laying.  Normally \u003ca href=\"\/products\/common-dogwood-cornus-sanguinea\"\u003eCornus sanguinea\u003c\/a\u003e would be used in farm hedging (because it is native) and Cornus alba or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-dogwood-cornus-alba-sibirica\"\u003eCornus alba Sibirica\u003c\/a\u003e would be used in landscaping schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNormal or moist soils in sun or partial shade.  Not too fussy.  Rarely found in Scotland, the very far west of Wales and the tip of Cornwall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are oval, about 6cm long, with curved veins and smooth edges and a good red autumn colour. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are white sprays, quite unpleasant smelling to our noses but attractive to a range of insects and the berries are blue and apparently “not even fit for a dog” but they are popular particularly with robins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height is about 2.5 - 3m and the growth rate is above average – about 40-60cm pa.  If you trim dogwood stems to about 15cm from the ground, new growth will be rapid and brighter red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801736151387,"sku":"Cornus alba 4060 1+1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801736118619,"sku":"Cornus alba 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684145182-84791300_379bcfbd-e089-409e-aea3-c6cb8e98bfc0.jpg?v=1770027482"},{"product_id":"holly-ilex-aquifolium","title":"Holly (Ilex aquifolium)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Holly plants (Ilex aquifolium)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plants we offer are grown in P9 pots a bit bigger than a small yogurt pot so the roots are slightly bigger but still are very easy to plant with the notch planting method. We source these plants from a leading grower and we deliver them along with our own bare root plants so all will come out to you together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe do not grow bare root holly - it can be done but germination in open fields is very poor and we find the bare root growing method doesn't make very good plants so we'd rather not grow it ourselves or offer it to our customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHolly (Ilex aquifolium) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the very few native evergreen hedging plants and a great addition to a mixed native hedgerow or oak, beech or mixed woodland to provide some very dense, prickly winter habitat for wildlife.  Unfortunately the very spiky nature of the leaves makes it difficult for hedge layers to cope with. For berrying, it is important to have several holly plants (or be close enough to other holly trees or shrubs) because there are male and female plants and pollination of the female plants is needed to produce berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolly does not do well as a field grown (bare root) plant.  It is very difficult to germinate and needs controlled growing conditions (ie indoor) so we grow our own holly plants in an unheated glasshouse in 9cm pots (P9's).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great attribute of Holly is that it will grow well in shade and hence is suitable as a woodland shrub as well as a hedging plant.  Any well drained soil is suitable with a preference for neutral, moist soil.  It does reasonably well at the coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolly leaves are small, very prickly, dark green and glossy.  New growth is particularly prickly but has adapted so that leaves are only prickly where they are within reach of browsing animals (although they can be used as cattle fodder in harsh winters) so those at the top of the hedge or tree are generally quite smooth edged.  Although evergreen, that does not mean that leaves do not fall off (just that it happens very gradually and there are always plenty of green leaves on the plant) and holly leaf litter is a very good nesting site for hedgehogs and small mammals.  Although suitable for cattle to eat, we do not recommend for horses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are small, white, inconspicuous but after insect pollination develop into the bright red berries with which we are all familiar, and which can stay on the plant for many weeks.  Mistle thrushes are particularly fond of holly berries but they are an excellent food source for a wide range of birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolly is a single sex plant so male and female plants must be grown reasonably close together to obtain the berries and if berried foliage is required for the Christmas trade, trees should be netted in autumn to prevent bird damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and matures from dark green to grey green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is very hard, white in colour and fine grained so it is good for turning and inlaying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual Height \u0026amp; Growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature trees can grow up to 15 metres in height, although Holly can easily be kept to hedgerow height. Holly is quite slow growing but can form quite large trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Pot grown","offer_id":51801736413531,"sku":"Ilex 3040 P9","price":3.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143651-36379700_7b562667-fce6-4309-9a6f-ce36a3b8f915.jpg?v=1770027486"},{"product_id":"common-dogwood-cornus-sanguinea","title":"Dogwood - Common (Cornus sanguinea)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Cornus sanguinea plants (Common dogwood)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornus sanguinea bare root hedging plants or shrubs are grown from seed in one season.  Seed is sown in spring and then the plants are ready to be sold from the following November through to April. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Cornus sanguinea including UK provenance and also some of the highest quality imported seed so if it is particularly important to you to have UK provenance please give us a call.  This is a blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/search?q=cornus\"\u003eDogwoods\u003c\/a\u003e are normally grown for their attractive upright, bright coloured stems but they also provide quite a lot of wildlife value.  This variety is native and has orange\/red stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn spring and summer, it has large ovate, smooth edged, dull, dark green leaves, borne opposite each other and held on purplish stems.  Flat clusters of tiny white flowers, which turn into black berries in autumn, are carried on older wood.  Leaves turn red before falling, exposing the bright straight stems.  Dogwoods look great planted in a group on damp edges of woodland (where they can benefit from some sunlight) and are often included in wildlife friendly hedgerows.  The brightest stem colour is achieved when dogwoods are planted in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to this native variety, we have a Dogwood with red stems (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-dogwood-cornus-alba\"\u003eCornus alba\u003c\/a\u003e) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-dogwood-cornus-alba-sibirica\"\u003eCornus alba Sibirica \u003c\/a\u003ewhich has very dark red stems, both often used in landscaping schemes rather than farm hedgerows where the native Cornus sanguinea is more popular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogwoods will grow in most soils with a preference for moist clay to loamy soils, though it will grow (but more slowly) on limestone soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, fruit and flowers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are opposite and up to 3” long with smooth sides and curved veins, mid green in colour in spring and summer and turning deep red in autumn.  Nectar and pollen rich flowers are tiny with 4 creamy coloured petals, held in clusters up to 2” wide and are insect pollinated.  The leaves are eaten by caterpillars and the black fruits (dogberries) are eaten by a wide range of birds and mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogwood is a medium to large shrub with an eventual height of up to 5m.  New stems grow quickly, with brighter colour, if they are cut down to about 4” from the soil level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as bloody dogwood and bloodtwig dogwood.  Cornaceae family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738510683,"sku":"Cornus sang 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738576219,"sku":"Cornus sang 3040 1+1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738608987,"sku":"Cornus sang 4060 1+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738674523,"sku":"Cornus sang 4060 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683962559-24648900_5549c690-7d9d-4767-8a75-7921404fdcdf.jpg?v=1770027501"},{"product_id":"wayfaring-tree-viburnum-lantana","title":"Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Wayfaring trees (Viburnum lantana)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root Viburnum lantana plants in several specifications.  The 1U1 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) grown from seed in one season, and then instead of being sold during the following November to April dormant season, they are left in situ and grown on for a further full growing season which makes a bushy strong 2 year old plant.  We grow these plants ourselves on our farm in Herefordshire and generally have several sizes available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Viburnum lantana including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayfaring tree is a vigorous treelike shrub common along paths and often found in hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub with dense clusters of creamy white flowers and pretty berries.  Wayfaring trees have good wildlife value with leaves, flowers and berries all being attractive to a range of wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny moist well drained soil with a preference for chalky soil, in full sun or partial shade and exposed or sheltered situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and berries\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of the wayfaring tree are large, opposite, oval, slightly wrinkled in appearance with grey hairs underneath and on the twig (hence one of the common names – hoarwithy where hoar means hair and withy means a plant stem).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are large umbels of cream flowers with 5 petals weighing down the shrub when it is planted in a sunny site.  The flowers are all identical in size whereas \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/guelder-rose-viburnum-opulus\"\u003eViburnum opulus\u003c\/a\u003e (Guelder rose) has larger flowers on the outside of the umbel graduating downwards in size towards the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plentiful fruits are oblong (like a squashed berry) beginning red and cream and then turning black and often having all colours on the same cluster of berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung shoots are a downy light brown colour that darkens slightly with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual size and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayfaring trees grow to about 5m but can be trimmed as a hedge.  Growth rate is medium up to 40cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as wayfarer or hoarworthy.  Adoxaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801740738907,"sku":"Vib lantana 4060 1U1","price":1.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801740771675,"sku":"Vib lantana 6080 1U1","price":1.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684147180-62570100_57614205-479d-426f-b5f6-aea9d6548c65.jpg?v=1770027512"},{"product_id":"guelder-rose-viburnum-opulus","title":"Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Viburnum opulus bare root plants in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period (as is normal with most of the range of bare root hedging plants and shrubs) they are kept in the same position in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy 2 year old plant.  The roots are undercut by machine to develop a fibrous root system  All these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Viburnum opulus including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGuelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot a rose at all despite its name but just as showy and with masses of wildlife benefit, Guelder rose is an upright, spreading deciduous shrub good in hedgerows and as a woodland shrub but also in damp situations in lowland areas – it’s relatively rare in Scotland. Guelder rose is a profuse flowerer with large clusters of pretty white flowers and then in autumn it absolutely drips in red shiny berries which look a bit like bunches of redcurrants – very popular with thrushes and finches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll soil types except very acidic and does best in moist fertile soil in sun or partial shade, and is useful on ditch banks or in damp woodland margins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are broad, opposite, three lobed, up to 10cm long, somewhat wrinkled, hairy underneath, with coarsely serrated edges and whilst green in spring and summer, turn good autumn colours of yellow and red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are spectacular!  Large umbels of pretty white (sometimes tinged pink) flat topped 5 petal flowers which graduate in size from larger at the outside of the umbel to tiny in the middle – unlike \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/wayfaring-tree-viburnum-lantana\"\u003eViburnum lantana\u003c\/a\u003e where all the flower petals are the same size. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries are red, shiny and somewhat translucent and held in bunches – very much like redcurrants though those of Guelder rose are toxic unless cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guelder rose has smooth, thin grey twigs and similar bark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuelder rose is a large shrub growing to about 4m, but it can be trimmed as a hedge.  It’s growth rate is moderate at about 40cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is from the Adoxaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741328731,"sku":"Vib opul 3040 1+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741394267,"sku":"Vib opul 4060 1+1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741361499,"sku":"Vib opul 6080 1+1","price":1.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143122-27843400_1ae8e471-a1ab-41ac-a287-91c4a0ed05e3.jpg?v=1770027518"},{"product_id":"siberian-dogwood-cornus-alba-sibirica","title":"Dogwood - Siberian (Cornus alba Sibirica)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Cornus alba Sibirica (Siberian dogwood) bare root hedging plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months when they are dormant ie they are 1 year old. These plants are ideal for hedging or woodlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSiberian Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Sibirica') Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sibirica variety of dogwood has really deep red stems, especially when planted in full sun in a group or thicket.  The red leafless stems are the main attraction with Siberian dogwood but it has other attributes – it’s a fast growing shrub with good wildlife value.  We also have the native dogwood - \u003ca href=\"\/products\/common-dogwood-cornus-sanguinea\"\u003eCornus sanguinea\u003c\/a\u003e often used in farm hedging.  It's name is a clear clue that it hails from Siberia but is also found in China and Korea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll soils are suitable for Dogwood Sibirica other than very alkaline, dry soil – it likes a fairly moist site in sun or partial shade but will grow in any reasonable soil or situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are ovate, green and turn reddish in autumn before dropping to reveal the straight red stems.  The flowers are pretty white flat topped clusters up to about 6cm in size produced in May and June and then they turn into blueish white berries which are very popular with birds and small mammals. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornus sibirica is a large shrub growing to about 4m in height.  The red stems can be cut down to a few inches and will quickly regrow (with even better colour) or the shrub can be trimmed as a hedge.  Growth rate is fast.  If you are going to cut them down, our recommendation is to cut to just above the first pair of buds from ground level in spring, when the stems reach pencil thickness, and they will produce twice as many stems and keep the colour bright.  The stems are ideal to use as supports for bulbs and perennials or for indoor arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill grow to a height of 2m and a spread of 1.4m but can be kept smaller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Tatarian dogwood and this species is from the Cornaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741689179,"sku":"Cornus sib 4060 0\/1","price":1.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146184-89240300_351b56b6-3619-40a2-b6ad-ee1e70c7832d.jpg?v=1770027516"},{"product_id":"grey-willow-salix-cinerea","title":"Willow - Grey (Salix cinerea)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Salix cinerea bare root plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We normally have Salix cinerea whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrey Willow (Salix cineria) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery similar to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goat-willow-salix-caprea\"\u003egoat willow \u003c\/a\u003ebut with smaller leaves that are at least twice as long as they are wide, and is found less often away from damp areas.  There are other subtle differences – the bark is slightly darker and the bark ridges are not as deep.  For a wet site the two are pretty much interchangeable though and very similar in appearance at first glance with large grey catkins in early spring turning yellow as they ripen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee our full range of \u003ca href=\"\/search?q=willow\"\u003eWillow species\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrey willows like moist or wet acid or neutral soil and grow best in full sun thought they will grow in partial shade. They tolerate high winds other than at the coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are dark greyish green, oblong to ovate, hairy beneath.  The male catkins are silky grey turning yellow and the female cakins are grey\/green.   Willows catkins are amongst the earliest sources of nectar and pollen. There are rare bees that are dependent on Salix cinerea perhaps because of the quality of the pollen.  These trees produce huge quantities of pollen, it is thought because they are wind pollinated so they need a lot of pollen to increase the chance of it reaching the flower of another tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height of grey willow is about 5m (with a spread of about 5m as well unless you keep it trimmed) and the growth rate is fast.  Willows are sometimes coppiced or pollarded and regrow quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as pussy willow, grey sallow and common sallow and is from the Salicaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741984091,"sku":"Salix cin 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741885787,"sku":"Salix cin60801+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684142804-06571400_df012ca0-4f71-4036-87c4-d829d1546559.jpg?v=1770027521"},{"product_id":"willow-osier-salix-viminalis","title":"Willow - Osier (Salix viminalis)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Osier plants (Salix viminalis)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost bare root plants are grown from seed but Osier is grown from cuttings (taken from good quality \"mother plants\") in winter and planted out into open fields in spring.  They are then ready for sale from the following November until the end of the bare root season in April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Osier (Salix viminalis) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon osier is the willow species commonly coppiced or pollarded in a one to two year cycle for its withies - thin pliable rods for making baskets, hurdles and willow screens, sometimes used as an alternative to hazel.  It is also now being used as a biofuel. It is not native but is thought to have been brought to the UK in ancient times.  Like other willows it is generally found and planted in wet sites by the side of streams, rivers or ponds and its horizontal growing roots help with soil erosion.  Common Osier has an upright growth habit unlike some willows which are more weeping (see \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-willow-salix-alba\"\u003eSalix alba\u003c\/a\u003e).  Willows are one of the fastest growing plants with potential for hedging use and this speed of growth makes them suitable to use as a windbreak hedge in moist and loamy soils.  They will not grow as fast in dry, sandy soils but will still make a good hedge within a few years as long as the hedge line is keep free of weeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalix vimilnalis will grow in any soil except chalk and prefers full sun or partial shade.  It likes wet sites by ponds or streams. It will grow at the coast and will tolerate salt winds but will not tolerate standing in sea water.  Salix viminalis has the capability of being able to absorb heavy metals from soil so it is used to decontaminate polluted soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are very long and narrow with the edges rolling inwards.  They are green on the surface and have white hairs underneath giving a white felted effect.  Green female cakins and male yellow catkins (on separate plants) appear before the leaves in late winter and very early spring and after pollination the female catkins produce seeds which are carried on the wind.  The catkins provide early pollen and nectar for bees and other insects and the leaves are eaten by moth caterpillars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalix viminalis is an upright shrub or small tree growing to about 6m in height and it is very fast growing at about 1.5m pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as basket willow and osier willow and is from the Salicaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801743720795,"sku":"Salix vim 4060 0\/1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801743753563,"sku":"Salix vim 6080 0\/1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683965696-87182700_77fc992b-0c8a-44fa-af83-953d6b285354.jpg?v=1770027538"},{"product_id":"box-hedging-buxus-sempervirens","title":"Box hedging (Buxus sempervirens)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Box hedging plants (Buxus sempervirens)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Box bare root hedging plants in several sizes and specifications.  Most evergreen hedging plants cannot be grown as bare roots but Box is one of the exceptions (along with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/english-yew-taxus-baccata\"\u003eYew\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cherry-laurel-prunus-laurocerasus\"\u003eCherry Laurel\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/privet-common-ligustrum-ovalifolium\"\u003ePrivet\u003c\/a\u003e) and buying bare root plants is a great way to get an evergreen hedge but at low cost.  Although they are slow growing, it is surprising how quickly a fairly densely planted box bare root hedge will knit together (allow 2 - 3 years).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBox (Buxus sempervirens) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very popular choice for low and medium height hedging and edging of borders and still very popular despite box blight and box tree moth.  Its popularity no doubt stems partly from it's classic appearance but also from the fact that it can be grown bare root which makes it very cost effective when compared with box alternatives (virtually all pot grown).  It is slow growing but not painfully so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to being an ideal plant for a formal hedge, Box also can be planted and left untrimmed to grow to a bushy, evergreen shrub in a woodland setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt will grow happily in most soils and situations but does have a preference for chalky, limestone soils and is good in shade, prefering partial or full shade to full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaves are very small (about 1cm) which is why it can be clipped so neatly.  New foliage is brighter green and then it matures to a nice mid-green colour.  The flowers and fruit (insect pollinated) are inconspicuous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox will grown to about 4m but it is generally kept at hedge heights from 40cm to 1.5m.  It is slow growing so it only needs to be trimmed once a year (the recommended date is late May or early June on a dry day and then if it needs to be neatened up again before winter, it can be trimmed again in September (but many will not need this).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso knows as Boxwood, and is from the Buxus family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801746735451,"sku":"Buxus 2030 2+1","price":1.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30-40cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801746768219,"sku":"Buxus 3040 2+1","price":3.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684504710-36318700_fe39c91b-c19f-4bd2-9f8f-78cb7fba72db.jpg?v=1770027553"},{"product_id":"white-ramanas-rose-rosa-rugosa-alba","title":"Ramanas Rose white (Rosa rugosa Alba)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Rosa rugosa bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have bare root Rosa rugosa hedging plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in the field and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant. The roots are undercut by specialised machine to help develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRamanus Rose white (Rosa rugosa alba) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Rosa rugosa plants make a striking scene whether as a somewhat informal hedge or as shrubs in a woodland setting.  Their large blousy flowers followed by huge rose hips and autumnal foliage colour offer lots of visual interest and they are very good for wildlife, prickly and forms dense thickets due to the fact that they put up suckers at the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalt tolerant so good at the coast or near roads which are iced in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ramanas-rose-rosa-rugosa-rubra\"\u003eRosa rugosa Rubra\u003c\/a\u003e which is the pink\/red flowering variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as beach rose, Japanese Rose and letchberry.  Rosaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosa rugosa alba is suited to any situations in full sun or shade, other than waterlogged soils.  It likes dry sandy soils, but will cope with moist soils as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge rose shaped leaves which are bright mid-green from spring to late summer, and then take on good autumn colour. The flowers are large single open roses and then fruits are orange in colour and the size of a cherry tomato with a flattened shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe height of mature Rosa rugosa is about 2m, and they form a very dense thicket at that height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"xmsonormal\"\u003eThis species should not be planted in the wild, in accordance with the Wildlife \u0026amp; Countryside Act 1981 Section 12, Schedule 9 Part 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747226971,"sku":"Rosa rug alba 3040 1U1","price":1.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747259739,"sku":"Rosa rug alba 4060 1U1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684145075-51654700_3ddcae83-1ec3-46a5-9896-09dbe2987d9f.jpg?v=1770027558"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/collections\/non-toxic-to-animals-woodland-shrubs.oembed","provider":"R J Trees and Hedging Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}