Further Information about Quickthorn Hedging (Hawthorn Hedges)

About Hawthorn Hedges

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

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 in antioxidants called ‘haws’. These are edible when raw, but are most commonly made into jams or wines. 

Due to the hedge’s thorny nature, it is regularly planted as an excellent security hedge. 

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

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.

The hedges will thrive in most types of soils which are not exposed to much waterlogging. Because of this, we suggest using deep loam or sand, which keeps the soil from compacting too much while retaining moisture. 

Hawthorn hedges may 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.

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 and rootball sizes nationwide. 

Between our team of 16, we ensure that each an 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 never find elsewhere. 

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