Evergreen Hedging Guide

Some of our best-selling hedge plants overall are from our evergreen hedging range due to their classic look, timeless appeal and year-round interest. Below are our top six best-sellers from our evergreen range. In this selection there's something for everyone from the modern classic of Cherry Laurel to the quintessentially British classic hedging plants of English Yew and Box that form the basis of many a formal garden as well as informal gardens. Their popularity is enduring and their top ten status rarely changes!

Fast growing evergreen hedging is one of our most prevalent requests, and as always we're happy to oblige! Below are our most recommended evergreen hedging species for quick results. We have tall and small varieties, as it's worth remembering that fast growth doesn't necessarily mean upwards and each have their own defining characteristics. However, a word to the wise - the species with the potential to reach for the stars if left unchecked need careful consideration, however if treated and maintained properly can reward you with an attractive and impressive hedge in next to no time!

Don't be misled by the name 'evergreen' as it can be deceiving to some, this is because not every species has green foliage. There is no identifiable colour for this category of plants as the leaves range from an array of greens to reds and yellows, making these hedges ideal for those wanting a garden feature that brings colourful interest throughout the year. Great examples of colourful evergreens are:

Flowers are another wonderful feature of many evergreen species. Flowering evergreen hedging plants will bring a touch of colour and many of them a delightful fragrance to your green space ensuring seasonal interest all year round. See also our full range of flowering hedge plants.

Intruder-proof hedging is highly requested being a greener and more attractive alternative to fencing or walls. Some of our evergreen hedges are the perfect choice for gardens or businesses where security and / or privacy is a requirement due to their prickly habits and long thorns. But where they keep intruders out, they also provide a protected and secure habitat for small birds and mammals, many of whom make these inpregnable hedgerows their home. See also our full range of Intruder Proof Hedging.

Often, the primary desire for an evergreen hedge is to give year round interest, but evergreen hedging for shade is also a popular request. When asked for a hedge for shade which offers year round appeal we often turn to the Laurels, which are very tolerant of shady conditions and highly attractive with their glossy green leaves in various shapes and hues. However, in general it tends to be the more leafy rather than flowering varieties that will grow in shade and therefore you'll find that most of our all round hedging best-sellers are also in this list. See also our full range of Hedging Plants for Shade page.

Another regular request is for evergreen hedging for wet or clay soils. Again Cherry Laurel is a viable option where plenty of well-rotted organic matter is dug in to improve drainage. Western Red Cedar is another species which will fare well in a clay soil and Hornbeam should be considered, because although not evergreen it is often considered semi-evergreen due to its crisp brown foliage which stays put throughout the colder months, giving cover and screening. Below is our selection of evergreen hedges that are good in clay soils, however it is important to ensure adequate drainage as very few plants can tolerate waterlogged ground. Similarly, it is also important to provide enough water in summer to avoid the clay soil becoming too hard and prevening water penetrating the ground.