Hedges Direct 
Hazel Hedge Corylus avellana
In stock
1. Select Your Root Type
Bare Roots
Soil-free and seasonal (Nov–Mar), great value for bulk planting in winter.
Root Balls
Larger plants with soil-wrapped roots—ideal for strong, mature growth in cold months.
Pot Grown
Available year-round with established roots, for flexible, reliable planting.
Instant Hedging
Ready-grown hedges for quick privacy and instant garden impact.
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Pot Grown
From £2.89
2. Select Your Height
Quick
List
Key Features
NATIVE
FAST GROWING
HAS BERRIES
HAS FLOWERS (White)
Description
The Hazel hedge, or Corylus avellana, is a native UK treasure that brings a unique charm to any garden. From January to March, Hazel graces your space with pale yellow catkins — affectionately known as lambs' tails — that dangle along its bare twigs. These are vital for wildlife and provide nectar for visiting insects. Corylus avellana also blooms with small red flowers that transform into edible nuts — just remember to leave some catkins and flowers when you trim the hedge to enjoy the resulting nuts. These ripen in September or October for squirrels to harvest and eat.
Hazel's large, softly hairy leaves are rounded with a pointed tip and transform into a stunning orange and gold palette in autumn, creating a breathtaking seasonal display. Its young stems serve practical purposes, too, doubling as stakes or pea sticks in your garden. It’s an excellent option to plant along with other native species to create diverse, eye-catching features. Hazel plants also support a whole ecosystem on their own, providing habitats and nutrients for over 70 species of insects, plus a host of other wildlife like dormice, deer, and the ever-busy squirrels. Discover more animal and bird-friendly hedging.
Whether planted alone or as part of a mixed native hedging selection, Hazel thrives in most free-draining soils and tolerates shade and exposed sites. Its annual growth rate of up to 45cm makes it a versatile choice for both new and seasoned gardeners. We stock bare-root Hazel hedging from November to April, and pot-grown varieties all year round.*
Want to know which root type suits your needs? Dive into our root types guide here for everything you need to know about Hazel’s root options.
Vital Plant Information
Reviews
Plant Guarantee
Hedges Direct always supplies quality plants, however we know that sometimes plants have a mind of their own. With the Hedges Direct Green Guarantee, we've got you covered. Our 12-month guarantee is our 100% promise to you, that you can buy with complete confidence, that if any plants fail within 12 months, we will replace them when the guarantee conditions are met.
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Step 1
Root Grow & Fertiliser
Ensure you buy root grow and fertiliser with your plants at the time of purchase
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Step 2
Prepare Your Planting Area
Make sure your planting area is in good condition and suitable for planting
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Step 3
Plant & Feed
Plant with root grow & the second feed. Support plants if necessary. Water regularly
Pruning Advice
For Hazel to flourish and maintain its striking appearance, we recommend brutting (breaking) side shoots halfway along their length in August, followed by shortening the bruited shoots to 3-4 buds when the catkins are shedding pollen in late winter.
If your Hazel is still young and filling out, you might want to consider skipping pruning for a few years to let it establish itself firmly.
Hazel is quite forgiving and can handle a hard prune if it’s grown a bit unruly. Typically, you can cut back up to one-third of old overcrowded shoots to the main branches to encourage denser growth.