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

Prune immediately after flowering where flowering is on the previous year's growth, or in the subsequent early to mid-spring if flowering is on the current year's growth.

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

Gorse Hedging Ulex europaeus

From £3.99

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Gorse hedging, also referred to as Ulex europaeus, is a fantastic native hedge, boasting long, prickly spines and a much longer flowering season.

EVERGREEN
AVERAGE GROWING
HAS FLOWERS (Yellow)
Is Grazing Animal Friendly

Planting Conditions: Suitable for normal, clay or chalk soils, full sun to semi shade and inland, coastal or exposed sites
Growth Rate: Average growth, expect 20-40cm per year
Height: Easily maintained at 1-3m
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SKU ULE

Ulex europaeus Hedge Plants Description

Gorse hedging holds an abundance of positives. It's an evergreen, native plant that is incredibly prickly and has an extremely long flowering season starting from early spring (even when the weather feels colder), until mid-summer. There's an old country saying - 'When Gorse is out of blossom, kissing's out of fashion'. Ulex europaeus is suited to many situations, including dry and exposed coastal sites. You can view our full range of hedging for exposed sites here.

The flowers produced by Gorse are pea-like, due to this species originating from the legume family. Gorse flowers are a distinguished egg yolk colour and extremely fragrant. Hedges Direct has a full range of fragrant hedging and flowering hedge plants available. These types of plants are capable of creating the ultimate sensory garden.

Another reason why Gorse is a favourable hedge plant is that it can adapt to a variety of soil conditions including poor soils, sandy soils or rocks. However, for this hedge plant to successfully grow and develop the soil must be well-drained and have the nitrogen-fixing capacity, so that it can improve the soil for the benefit of other plants.

Gorse is not a fast-growing plant; it tends to grow 15-30 cm per annum. However, it will grow up to 2.5m and is particularly recommended for intruder-proof hedging due to the vicious spines. Ulex europaeus it also suitable for windy, exposed, coastal sites and historically used as a windbreak, which could be cut to provide animal feed. Its dense prickly nature provides good wildlife shelter. Gorse hedging will also tolerate alkaline soils, but it's also particularly good on acid soils.

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.