What to grow for flowering hedges

The plants used for freely growing hedges develop and grow naturally. They produce numerous blossoms and in many cases also decorative fruits. The hedge loses its architectural character by combining different species so that it is more akin to a natural wild-growing field hedge. Freely growing hedges are only pruned very slightly to remove old wood. Many plants are suitable for use in a flowering hedge: the most decorative favourites are listed below.

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  Cockspur Thorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

  The Cockspur Thorn is an undemanding large shrub which also grows well in containers for mobile use. Birds are attracted by its bright red fruits.

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  Black Elder, Bourtree, Common Elder, Elderberry, European Elder (Sambucus nigra)

  Large shrub or small tree with a crooked stem, 2-7m tall, 3-5m wide. The leaves appear early, followed by white flowers in umbel-like panicles. The round berries are blue-black in colour with an aromatic taste.

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  Mountain Ash, Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

  The Mountain Ash is an attractive small tree with one or more stems and crown diameter of 4-6m. White flowers are produced in umbels shortly after the leaves appear. The edible red berries are highly attractive and provide food for many bird species.

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  Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

  The Common Lilac is a slow-growing deciduous bush with virgate branches which is often planted for its deliciously fragrant, magnificent blossoms. It is found in many varieties and colours.

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  Border Forsythia (Forsythia intermedia hybride)

  The Forsythia is a widespread flowering bush growing to heights of 3 or 4 metres which is commonly planted in gardens as a solitary specimen or hedging plant. The attractive, slightly scented yellow flowers appear from March onwards, before the leaves.

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  Japanese Yellow Rose, Japanese Kerria (Kerria Japonica)

  The robust Japanese Yellow Rose or Japanese Kerria is an expansive, upright bush growing to heights of 1.5 - 2.0m. Also forms flowering hedges. The golden yellow blossoms appear from April onwards. This bush produces suckers.

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  Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)

  The Shrubby Cinquefoil or Bush Cinquefoil is an expansive woody plant with yellow blossom appearing from June onwards which grows to 1.5m in height. This small flowering bush is popular for borders and rock gardens.

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  Sweet Mock Orange, English Dogwood (Philadelphus coronarius)

  The Sweet Mock Orange or English Dogwood has creamy white blossoms with a bewitching fragrance. Sometimes mistaken for Jasmin.

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  Scarlet Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

  The Scarlet Firethorn is an expansive evergreen flowering bush which grows to 3m in height. Often forms an impenetrable hedge. The white panicles from May onwards are of particular ornamental value. The pretty scarlet-red fruits persist well into winter.

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  Japanese Spiraea, Japanese Medowsweet (Spiraea japonica)

  The Japanese Spiraea or Japanese Meadowsweet is an upright woody plant with delicate white blossoms which grows to 1.0 - 1.5m in height. Flowering period from June onwards. Popular as a flowering bush or for flowering hedges.

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  Common Snowball, European Snowball, Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)

  The Common Snowball or European Snowball or Guelder Rose is a fast-growing bush growing up to 4m in height. White cymes from May onwards are of particular ornamental value. Brilliantly shiny red stone fruit. Yellow or wine-red autumn colouring. All parts of the plant are poisonous.