Hawthorn

A traditional, native, British countryside hedge historically used in farming. An adaptable, hardy, undemanding, fast-growing hedge tolerant of demanding locations.

Likes dry to moist, well drained, chalk, clay sandy and loamy soils

Likes full sun to partial shade

Annual growth fast 30-40cm

Strengths include tolerance of extreme frost, wind, heat and drought

Rural hedge, Security hedge, Ornamental hedge

Deep and wide spreading, very hard roots

Suitable for coastal planting

Prune during the growing season and again in the Autumn

Suitable for livestock or horse enclosures

Known for their impenetrable spiny thorns, hawthorn hedges preference is calcareous, deep, rich soils but will tolerate all nutritious well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline. Hawthorn have an extreme frost tolerance and cope with strong wind exposure and heat and drought. They are however sensitive to salt. Hawthorn hedges are wildlife havens, providing home, food and protection for many birds, animals and insects.

Deciduous deeply cut dark green leaves with up to 4 lobes on each side appear in April and are followed by clusters of pleasant scented white flowers in May. Plentiful, edible tasteless red berry fruits known as haws appear in September and remain well after leaf drop. Hawthorn autumn leaf colour is yellow.

Hawthorn thrives in any well-drained soil and withstands both exposed inland and coastal sites, whether in full sun or partial shade.