When is the Best Time to Plant a Hedge?

You are here: Home » When is the Best Time to Plant a Hedge?

The best time to plant a hedge in the UK depends on the variety of hedging plants that you choose, as well as your climate and local conditions Some hedges thrive when planted during specific seasons, while others can be planted all year round. 

Understanding the best time to plant a hedge for the type of plant you select will help ensure a strong, healthy hedge that flourishes for years.

Different hedging varieties have different planting windows, and selecting the right one can make all the difference in how quickly your hedge grows and how well it establishes itself. Here’s a breakdown of some popular types of hedging plants and the best time to plant a hedge for each:

Bare Root Hedging Plants – November to April

Bare root hedging plants are the most affordable option for gardeners looking to plant hedges in their garden. These plants are grown in the field and are lifted during the dormant season, which runs from November to April. The soil is carefully shaken off, and the plants are packed for transport. Because they are dormant during this time, they are ideal for planting during these months.

Since these plants are dormant, they focus all their energy on establishing strong root systems in their new location. This makes planting them during November to April the best time to ensure their long-term success.

Bare root hedging is commonly available for a variety of plants, including privet, laurel, and box, each of which offers unique benefits:

• Privet is an excellent choice for those looking for a hardy, low-maintenance hedge. It provides a dense, lush barrier and thrives when planted during its dormant period.
• Laurel is another popular choice, particularly for its fast-growing nature and evergreen foliage. Laurel hedging is also typically planted as bare root for the best results.
• Box is a slower-growing option but offers a beautifully formal look with dense, evergreen foliage. It’s often used in more traditional garden designs and responds well to planting in the dormant months.

Root Ball Hedging Plants – October to May

If you’re looking for larger, more established plants that will create an instant impact in your garden, root ball hedging plants might be the perfect option. These plants are grown in the ground for several years, allowing them to develop a robust root system and large, bushy growth.

The best time to plant root ball hedging is from October to May, which gives the plants ample time to become established before the growing season kicks in. The longer dormant period means that these plants are available for planting well into the spring, making them a flexible option for gardeners.

For larger hedging plants like privet, laurel, and box, planting them in autumn allows them to settle in before the more active growing period begins. Root ball hedging is often favoured for creating larger, more mature hedges that provide an instant sense of privacy or landscaping appeal.

• Privet grown as root ball plants tends to thrive in colder climates and can form a dense, thick hedge relatively quickly.
• Laurel planted as root ball plants is particularly valued for its rapid growth and ability to provide year-round green coverage.
• Box hedging provides a more refined, classic hedge when planted as a root ball. It may take a bit longer to establish, but the results are often worth the wait.

Potted Hedging Plants – All Year Round

If you need flexibility and ease, potted hedging plants offer the best of both worlds. These plants are delivered to you in their pots, with their roots remaining undisturbed. As there is no root trauma when planting, they can be safely planted at any time of the year, making them the perfect solution for those with unpredictable weather or specific planting windows.

The best time to plant a hedge like this is whenever it is convenient for you. Since they are not dependent on dormancy, potted hedging varieties like privet, laurel, and box can be planted during any season and will establish themselves quickly.

• Privet is a reliable choice for potted planting due to its adaptability and resilience to different environments.
• Laurel planted in pots can help speed up the establishment process, providing a sturdy, fast-growing hedge that holds up year-round.
• Box grown in pots gives the advantage of immediate availability with minimal disturbance to the plant, making it perfect for busy gardeners.

Instant Hedging Plants – All Year Round

If you’re looking for an immediate solution to create a lush, full hedge, instant hedging plants are your best bet. These pre-grown hedges are established in large pots and are designed to be planted at any time of the year. Whether you need a hedge for privacy or decoration, instant hedging plants provide the quickest option for a fully-formed hedge.

Since these plants are already established, they can be planted anytime without waiting for dormancy, making them perfect for those who want an instant result without the wait.

Privet, laurel, and box are all available as instant hedging plants, and these varieties can give you the privacy and aesthetic you desire right away.

• Laurel instant hedging is particularly popular for those who want a dense, evergreen hedge quickly.
• Privet is often used in instant hedging for its quick growth and ability to form a thick, impenetrable barrier.
• Box is typically used in instant hedging for more refined, formal landscaping.

Choosing the Best Time for Your Hedge

The best time to plant a hedge depends on your specific needs. For example, if you’re looking for cost-effective options, bare root hedging in November to April is ideal. If you want to create an instant, lush hedge, instant hedging plants or potted hedging plants provide year-round flexibility.

Additionally, considering the specific needs of your chosen variety, such as privet, laurel, or box, will help you make the most of your planting season. These plants thrive when given the right conditions, whether it’s dormant planting during winter or the flexibility of planting throughout the year.

For more tips on how to plant a hedge, including caring for your plants and ensuring their healthy growth, check out our related guides on How To Make Your Laurel Grow Faster and Common Pests Diseases and Problems with Laurel Hedge Plants.