Guelder Rose Hedge Plants Description

This is a very attractive hedging plant with a story to its name, it has nothing to do with roses and whilst its a British native plant, its also common across Europe and its name originates from the Dutch province of Guelderland.

The berries are slightly harmful to humans but relished by birds, in particular bullfinches and mistle thrushes. The Guelder Rose also has most attractive fragrant, dense clusters of lacecap-like flowers in June/July. In Autumn, its foliage turns a fabulous red colour. Its also wildlife friendly, there are 17 identified insect types associated with the Guelder Rose.

This species is considered self pollinating so it should be ok as a single plant in a mixed hedge, but if possible, have more than one Guelder Rose so that you're certain of pollenation to provide good fruiting. Combine Guelder Rose with a number of native species to create a mulitpurpose feature with heaps of seasonal interest.

Guelder Rose is good on most soils (other than very acid), and it does like a fertile soil so add organic mulch annually if possible. It performs best in sunlight, it also does well in light shade. It is particularly good in moist ground and wont like a dry situation.

Additional flowering options can be found in our flowering hedge section where you can access heaps of flowers of diverse colours and shapes, and our plants for exposed sites section suggests those plants suited to seaside weather ocnditions.

Cell grown and pot grown plants are available all year round. Bare roots are only available from november to mid/late May, using cold stored plants towards the very end of the season (see our blog on cold storage).

Planting distances are very much a matter of choice - for bare roots, 3 plants per metre is adequate, 5 is good, 7 in a double staggered row will give a dense hedge quicker. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at higher density. Cell grown should be planted at 4 per metre in a single row or ideally 6 per metre in a staggered row.

For more information on planting distances please see our planting density advice section.

To get good berries, the plant must flower first, so prune out old growth after flowering to encourage new stems that will bloom the following year. Prune late Winter to early Spring.

Free delivery is available on all orders providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:


There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page

It's Quick! - most orders are despatched within 3-5 working days (Please note that current orders for box root balls may be a longer delivery time due to hot weather affecting lifting. At present lifting is only on a once a week basis. Call 01257 263873 for an estimated delivery on this product.)

Next Day Delivery is Available - We can offer next day delivery on eligible species and sizes for an additional £12 incl VAT. Call 01257 263873 to find out if your order is eligible.

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* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.