The Alder (Alnus) is native to the UK as well as Europe, and grows extremely fast. We stock a variety of Alder throughout the year, including: Alnus Glutinosa and Alnus Cordata.
Alder hedging plants can typically live for around 60 years, and reach heights of 20 metres. They produce catkins early in the year, usually from February until around April time, with some Alders producing cones in the autumn with their seeds. It provides fruit for wildlife, especially caterpillars, bees, moths and birds. They are typically planted to colonise, which they do easily – especially in land that has soil erosion, or where they’re used for land reclamation.
The Alder’s history is shrouded in mystery, often being thought of as having a mystifying atmosphere. The leaves were used in medieval times as dye for clothes, turning garments green, as well as supposedly colouring the clothes of fairies!
The roots contain nitrogen-fixing buds which help to naturally condition the soil it is planted in. This plant is deciduous, and thrives in poor soil conditions, preferring wetter sites. Dependant on the type of Alder you choose they are great at being wind breaks, and provide an excellent option as a hedge for privacy, due to its fast growing nature. We recommend planting them two feet apart, and pruning them into shape towards the end of the summer. They provide a great effect amongst your landscape, whether you just want to improve your soil nutrients, are seeking more privacy or want to plant it as a feature.
Take a look at the range of Alder plants we currently have available above. If you have any questions about our hedges then please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our team members on 01580 765600, or take a look at our contact page.
Delivery leadtimes update- March/April 2024
We are working at maximum capacity to fulfil all orders as quickly as possible but owing to unprecedented demand some orders will take longer:
– Orders containing only bare root plants – delivery is currently within 5-7 days
– All other orders – delivery is currently within 2-3 weeks
Delivery is free for most orders above our free delivery thresholds, these are displayed above our prices in the product listings and summarized below. If you don’t need that many plants it’s not a problem, you can choose to pay our delivery charge and only order what you need.
Delivery is convenient – no signature is required so you don’t need to wait in, we will leave your parcel in the safe place that you nominate.
Delivery is fast – because we pick orders daily from our own growing beds your plants only travel the small hop to our packing shed before being sent to you, they are usually delivered within 3-7 days.
Delivery is reliable – we have been selling and delivering Hedging Plants to our customers nationwide since 1992. We have a lot of experience in packing them safely and only use tried and tested delivery partners.
Smaller Plants (Parcel Delivery)
| Location | Order Value | Price |
| UK Mainland excluding Highlands | Up to £90 | £15.00 |
| UK Mainland excluding Highlands | Over £90 | Free |
| Scottish Highlands and Isle of Wight | All orders | £24.00 |
Heavy Plants (Pallet Delivery)
| Location | Order Value | Price |
| UK Mainland excluding Highlands | Up to £420 | £72.00 |
| UK Mainland excluding Highlands | Over £420 | Free |
| Scottish Highlands and Isle of Wight | All orders | £72.00 |
Tall Plants 2.5m+ (Specialist Delivery)
| Location | Order Value | Price |
| UK Mainland excluding Highlands | Under £1800 | Please call us |
| UK Mainland excluding Highlands | Over £1800 | Free |
| Scottish Highlands and Isle of Wight | All orders | Not available |
Exceptions to our delivery charges are Scottish Highland and Isle of Wight delivery areas where we need to charge a little extra to cover the cost of deliveries to these outlying areas. We don’t currently delivery to other offshore addresses including Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland.
Tall plants over 2.5 metres have to be delivered by our own specialised transport, our delivery area is limited to mainland England and Wales only.
Please note there is a minimum order value of £50 for orders containing smaller plants and £250 for orders containing heavier plants
Complete delivery information can be viewed on our Delivery Information page
