Further Information about Quickthorn Hedging (Hawthorn Hedges)

About Hawthorn Hedges

Hawthorn hedging (Crataegus monogyna) is a species of the Rosaceae family originating from the regions of North Europe. An incredibly valuable plant for wildlife, this deciduous hedge has been known to support several hundred species of insects and animals, therefore making Quickthorn hedges a popular purchase amongst farmers and those looking to support wildlife. 

Also known as “May” named after the month its delicate flowers bloom, the Hawthorn hedge is a hermaphrodite. Its flowers grow both male and female reproductive systems, allowing the plant to reproduce without relying on pollination by bees and insects. 

Quickthorn hedges also produce a vibrant red fruit, packed with antioxidants, called ‘haws’. These are edible when raw, but are most commonly made into jams or wines. Hawthorn hedging berries are also used in tinctures, infusions, and food supplements.

Due to the Hawthorn hedge’s thorny nature, it is regularly planted as an excellent security hedge. The denseness of the foliage also makes it a great windbreaker, when planted as a dense hedge, helping to provide valuable shelter in gardens. It is a tremendous ‘knitter’ and when planted as part of a Native hedge, will be the plant that weaves amongst the others to bring the hedge together whilst providing valuable shelter and food to your local wildlife.

Growth Rate for Hawthorn Hedge Plants

A fast-growing hedge, Quickthorn plants can grow up to 40 to 60cm per year. Their height can be maintained fairly easily from 1-5m with frequent pruning. The maximum height and spread of a mature and untrimmed hawthorn tree can be up to 8 metres.

Care for your Quickthorn Hedging

When to Plant Hawthorn Hedging

You can plant your bare root Quickthorn hedges from November-late March when they are dormant and they have plenty of time to establish (although we recommend trying not to plant them when the ground is frozen). Hardy and versatile, these hedging plants will thrive in most types of soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. If you have ground prone to waterlogging we suggest adding plenty of general purpose compost and grit or shingle and combining it well with your existing soil to improve the drainage in the area.  We also suggest using deep loam or sand, which keeps the soil from compacting too much while retaining moisture. 

When to Prune Hawthorn Hedge (UK)

Hawthorn hedges are considered to be low-maintenance, but they do require occasional pruning. Late autumn to early spring is generally the best months to thin out any overgrown branches or to remove any dead or diseased growth. You can, however, lightly trim Hawthorn hedges more often than this to maintain an attractive shape. 

A fast-growing hedge, Quickthorn plants can grow up to 40 to 60cm per year. Their height can be maintained fairly easily from 1-5m with frequent trimming. The maximum height and spread of a mature and untrimmed hawthorn tree can be up to 8 metres.

If you want to hard prune your Quickthorn hedge, make sure you do so after the flowers have bloomed, as this encourages a fuller growth of flowers in the following year. 

See our guide to Hawthorn Hedge Pruning for more information.

 How to Plant Hawthorn Hedge

Our Hawthorn hedges can be purchased at varying stages of growth, from a year old to a 4-year-old feathered ‘whip’ bare root plant. Or as a potted plant at any time throughout the year. We suggest planting 3-7 plants per metre, depending on your hedge requirements, and their size when bought. Planting distance for a new hedge completely depends on your budget and of course, your patience.  

As a rule, 3 plants per metre will be sufficient, especially for the larger sizes of pot-grown Hawthorn. If you would like to grow a double-row hedge, 5 plants per metre will give you far thicker hedging, sooner. For a fast-developing and very dense hedge, we suggest planting 7 smaller-sized plants (90/120 cm or smaller). 

Are you a gardening beginner? Take a look at our page on How To Plant A Hedge for general advice on hedge planting.

Hawthorn Pests & Diseases

Hawthorn hedges may be prone to damage from various pests, including apple woolly aphids, gall mites and other bacterial diseases. These can mostly be controlled by chemical treatments containing pyrethroids and pyrethrin, although this may not be effective against all pests. 

Please contact our team for more advice on pest and disease control if you are new to hedge maintenance.

Quickthorn Hedge Planting Density

Our Hawthorn hedges can be purchased at varying stages of growth, from a year old to a 4-year-old feathered whip. We suggest planting 3-7 plants per metre, depending on their size when bought. Planting distance for a new hedge completely depends on your budget and of course, your patience.  

As a rule, 3 plants per metre will be sufficient, especially for the larger sizes of pot-grown Hawthorn. If you would like to grow a double-row hedge, 5 plants per metre will give you far thicker hedging. For a fast developing and very dense hedge, we suggest planting 7 smaller sized plants (90/120 cm or smaller). 

Are you a gardening beginner? Take a look at our page on How To Plant A Hedge for general advice on hedge planting.

Hawthorn Hedge Spacing

Generally Hawthorn hedge spacing can be the same as most other hedging species which will be between 30cm to 90cm apart but they can be planted closer depending on the size of the plants. So 3 plants per 1m is ideal, especially for larger pot grown plants or a double staggered row of 5 plants per 1m and if you would like to have a very dense hedge, plant 7 smaller sized plants in a double staggered row of 1m.

How Fast Does Hawthorn Hedging Grow?

Hawthorn is a fast growing hedge, able to grow into a dense privacy hedge or in between other hedging species to fill in any gaps. Each plant can grow up to 60cm per year and up to 8m at maturity if left untrimmed. Even though it is a fast growing hedging plant, Hawthorn is easily maintained and can be regularly pruned.

Why Choose Hopes Grove Nurseries?

Our team at Hopes Grove Nurseries pride ourselves on supplying only the healthiest products to our customers. From our humble beginnings in 1992, our local business has now expanded to supplying top-quality plants in a range of potted, bare root, instant trough hedging and rootball sizes nationwide. 

Between our team of dedicated staff, we ensure that each and every plant is grown with passion and is in prime condition when it reaches your doorstep. Our combined 200 years of experience in growing means that with Hopes Grove Nurseries you get a service that you will not find elsewhere. 

If you’re interested in our Hawthorn hedging, take a look at our range above or get in touch today.