Hedges without Thorns

Hedges Without Thorns – There are many situations when planting a hedge where the requirement is for plants without thorns or spikes, for instance in an area where children have access and along public rights of way. It is perfectly possible to plant a thornless hedge either as a single species or as a mixed Native Hedgerow. Thorns, spines and prickles have evolved from different parts of the plant deterring animals from eating them, for example the thorns on Quickthorn are modified branches and the prickles on Roses are extensions of the stem rather like hairs. These are obviously the types of plant to avoid when choosing a hedge where thorns etc are undesirable.

For mixed native hedges without thorns why not try our Thornless Mixed Native Hedge to encourage wildlife, depending upon the conditions of the area to be planted a combination of plants such as Beech or Hornbeam, Field Maple, Dogwood, and for interest with berries, flowers, and nuts Hazel, Spindle, Wild Crabapple and Guelder Rose which is actually from the Viburnum family. Common Alder will provide catkins again for attracting wildlife, and Dogwood provides pretty stem colour to add further interest. The hedge of course does not have to be of mixed variety, most of the aforementioned species can be planted as single varieties, especially Beech and Hornbeam which give fantastic winter leaf colour.

We stock a wide selection of evergreen hedges without thorns, among the better known are all of our Laurel hedging varieties, Griselinia Littoralis, Osmanthus burkwoodii and Lonicera hedging.

Conifer hedges are also worthy thorn free plants, this category includes some of our most popular hedging species including Leylandii, Thuja and Yew hedging plants.

For informal hedges without thorns but with most attractive blossoms look no further than Mock Orange double white, Escallonia or Viburnum Tinus all of which can reach heights of between 200-250cm.

There are numerous plants suitable for hedges without thorns it is just a question of choosing the ones suitable for the site.