Further Information

You'll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed in the product grid. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you're willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.

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

Pruning Advice

General hedge trimming of Alder should be done in late autumn. It is important to prune Alder at the right time, so as not to remove new growing shoots. Unusually, although deciduous, Alder is actually starting to develop new growth through the latter part of the winter months (even though you can't visibly see it) when other deciduous plants are still dormant and so unlike other deciduous species for which pruning is ideal at this time, Alder needs trimming a little earlier in the year.

Pruning in late autumn when the plant has stopped growing will also prevent sap bleeding which can happen if the plant is still in a growth phase. This has a tendency to attract bugs which may bring disease so should be avoided to ensure you keep plants healthy.

Delivery & Returns

Everything you need to know about your delivery: Free delivery - this is available on most orders when you reach a minimum order value for your packaging type which is based on the size and quantity of plants that you order. Details are in the delivery information table below.

Packaging Type	Standard Delivery Charge	Minimum Order Values for FREE Delivery
Boxes (Bare roots and pots up to and inc 7.5L)	£7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £60)	Orders of £60 and over - FREE
Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc)	£60 delivery charge (orders up to £350)	Orders of £350 and over - FREE
Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery)	£450 delivery charge (orders up to £1500)	Orders of £1500 and over - FREE

Nominated Day Delivery – Choose a day that suits you for your delivery. If nominated delivery is available on the products you’ve chosen, you’ll be able to select this option at checkout. Fees for this will depend on the product selected and your delivery address.

For full delivery information, including geographical exceptions, see our delivery page

Alder Hedging Plant Alnus glutinosa

From £0.89

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Alder hedging (Alnus glutinosa) is a unique plant that perfectly adapts to wetter or poor-quality soils. Alder hedging is a wildlife magnet, supporting many native species of birds and insects throughout the year.

NATIVE
AVERAGE GROWING
HAS FLOWERS (White)
Is Grazing Animal Friendly

Planting Conditions: Sunny, wet or very wet soil, sheltered or exposed, coastal or inland
Growth Rate: Fast | 60cm+ a year
Height: up to 2-5m high
Bare root plants are shown in winter dormancy as a single bare root and a bundle for comparison. Please note if ordering 1 x bare root, this will be a single plant not a bundle unless shown as a multibuy item.
12 Month Guarantee On All Plants - Buy With Confidence

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Alnus glutinosa Hedge Plant Description

Alder hedging is a fast-growing deciduous hedge plant that boasts long catkins in the springtime and small, woody cones throughout the autumn. Alder has a dense, leafy screen that means it makes a wonderful habitat for wildlife such as butterflies and birds, as well as caterpillars, moths and more than 90 other insect and small bird species.

As well as being wildlife-friendly, Alder hedging is a fantastically adaptable plant that can thrive in wet and poor-quality soils - it can even tolerate prolonged periods standing in water of up to 30cm deep. This means it is a good choice for coastal positions and other waterside locations, such as around lakes and rivers. If your garden has a tendency to become waterlogged, Alder is a perfect choice of hedge.

Alder prefers sun or semi-shaded conditions for optimum growth and makes an effective screen to shield other plants from harsh weather conditions. Due to its dense foliage, Alder makes a highly effective windbreak.

Alder hedging can be planted as a single-species hedge or can be combined with other native species. Alder converts nitrogen from the air into soil-based nitrates, that can fertilise both the Alder hedging itself and the plants around it, which is why it thrives even in poor soils.

If you still require help on choosing the right hedge plant for your outdoor area, please call Hedges Direct on 01257 263 873 or email helpdesk@hedgesdirect.co.uk

What are root types?

Root types explained.

Bare root
Field grown, bare roots are young plants that are only planted when they are dormant, from autumn to spring. We lift bare root plants and despatch them during the season but they can be pre-ordered in summer. As they are cheaper to grow, they are one of our most affordable hedge planting options.
Pot grown
Pot grown plants can be planted year round and make a convenient option. They come in a wide range of sizes, from 10cm to 2.5m so they're suitable for the majority of planting requirements.
Root ball
Also field grown, root ball plants are scooped out of the ground using machinery to keep their root system intact and wrapped in bio-degradable, hessian sacks. They are mature plants that provide dense coverage very early on, ideal for when you need a thick hedge quickly.
Instant
Grown in troughs or bags that measure 50cm-1 metre in length and carefully clipped during the growing season. Our instant hedging troughs create a dramatic, instant hedge effect.