Hawthorn hedging plants
Hedging plants at the nursery
ON SALE

Hawthorn Hedge

Crataegus monogyna

Common Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, also called Quickthorn, Whitethorn or May, is the backbone of the traditional British hedgerow. It makes a dense, thorny, deciduous hedge with white blossom in May, red haws in autumn and a tough framework of branches that keeps people and animals out.

Once established it typically grows around 20–40cm a year, it copes with exposed sites and most soils, and small bare-root whips are one of the most economical ways to plant a long hedge. Choose from bare root, pot grown and root balled plants, with bare-root packs of up to 1,000.

Compare all our Hawthorn hedging, or see our native mixed hedging.

  • Native, thorny boundary
  • May blossom and red haws
  • Copes with exposed sites
  • Bulk packs up to 1,000

Key product facts

Growth Rate Medium 20-40cm per year
Overall Height Medium up to 5 metres
Plant Position Coastal, Exposed, Full Shade, Full Sun, Sheltered
Root Types Pot Grown, Bare Root, Root Balled
Choose your plants

Hawthorn Hedge Root Types

Choose from our range of Hawthorn Hedge sizes and root types below.

Selected root type

Bare root Hawthorn hedging

From £1.15 per plant 4 heights to pre-order
By far the most cost effective and environmentally friendly way to plant a new hedge, bare root hedging is normally available between November and April. No need for plastic pots, these plants are extra-kind to the environment
Planting window

Availability

  • In Season
  • Pre Order
  • Out Of Season
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Step 2

Choose your height

Pick a height to see the relevant single-plant and bulk-buy options.

Available height

40-60cm

Bare Root options
  • Bare Root
    Single plants
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £200
    Box delivery
    £1.15

    £1.15 per plant

    6 plants per metre recommended
    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 50
    Save 3%
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £200
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £57.50.Current price is: £55.20.

    £1.10 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 100
    Save 4%
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £200
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £115.00.Current price is: £109.25.

    £1.09 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 250
    Save 10%
    Free UK Delivery
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £287.50.Current price is: £258.75.

    £1.04 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 500
    Save 12%
    Free UK Delivery
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £575.00.Current price is: £503.13.

    £1.01 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 1000
    Save 15%
    Free UK Delivery
    Pallet delivery
    Original price was: £1,150.00.Current price is: £977.50.

    £0.98 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
Available height

60-90cm

Bare Root options
  • Bare Root
    Single plants
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £200
    Box delivery
    £1.45

    £1.45 per plant

    5 plants per metre recommended
    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 50
    Save 4%
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £200
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £72.50.Current price is: £69.59.

    £1.39 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 100
    Save 5%
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £200
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £145.00.Current price is: £137.74.

    £1.38 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 250
    Save 10%
    Free UK Delivery
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £362.50.Current price is: £326.25.

    £1.31 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 500
    Save 12%
    Free UK Delivery
    Box delivery
    Original price was: £725.00.Current price is: £634.35.

    £1.27 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 1000
    Save 15%
    Free UK Delivery
    Pallet delivery
    Original price was: £1,450.00.Current price is: £1,232.49.

    £1.23 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
Available height

90-120cm

Bare Root options
  • Bare Root
    Single plants
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £200
    Box delivery
    £2.25

    £2.25 per plant

    5 plants per metre recommended
    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 50
    Save 4%
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £300
    Large box delivery
    Original price was: £112.50.Current price is: £108.00.

    £2.16 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 100
    Save 5%
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £300
    Large box delivery
    Original price was: £225.00.Current price is: £213.75.

    £2.14 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 250
    Save 10%
    Free UK Delivery
    Large box delivery
    Original price was: £562.50.Current price is: £506.25.

    £2.03 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 500
    Save 12%
    Free UK Delivery
    Pallet delivery
    Original price was: £1,125.00.Current price is: £984.38.

    £1.97 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
Available height

120-150cm

Bare Root options
  • Bare Root
    Single plants
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £300
    Large box delivery
    £4.00

    £4.00 per plant

    4 plants per metre recommended
    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 50
    Save 4%
    Free UK Delivery on orders over £300
    Large box delivery
    Original price was: £200.00.Current price is: £191.98.

    £3.84 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 100
    Save 5%
    Free UK Delivery
    Large box delivery
    Original price was: £400.00.Current price is: £379.96.

    £3.80 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026
  • Bulk saving
    Pack of 250
    Save 10%
    Free UK Delivery
    Pallet delivery
    Original price was: £1,000.00.Current price is: £900.00.

    £3.60 per plant

    Shipping from NOV 2026

Choosing your Hawthorn hedge plants

Pick your root type by when you are planting and how long the hedge is, then your size by how quickly you need a boundary. Smaller whips cost less, are easier to plant in quantity and usually make the thickest base once they have been cut back and trimmed.

Root typeSizePlants per metreWhen
Bare root40–60cm6November to March
Bare root60–120cm5November to March
Bare root120–150cm4November to March
Pot grown40–90cm4Most of the year
Pot grown90–120cm3Most of the year
Root balled150–175cmSee size aboveDormant season

These are single-row figures. Bare-root sizes also come in bulk packs, from 50 plants up to 1,000 for the smaller sizes, and the price per plant drops as the pack size goes up. Planting a double-row or grant-funded hedge? Follow that specification's density rather than doubling these numbers.

Why plant a Hawthorn hedge?

A boundary that keeps things in and out

Once it has thickened up, a Hawthorn hedge's sharp thorns and tight branching make a barrier that people, dogs and most animals will not push through. That is why it has been used for centuries to mark field boundaries and keep stock in.

Through the year

Fresh green leaves appear early in spring, followed by clouds of scented white blossom in May, which is where the name May comes from. Dark red haws follow in autumn. In winter the leaves drop, leaving a dense, thorny framework. See what a Hawthorn hedge looks like in winter.

Wildlife value

Hawthorn is one of the best native plants for wildlife. The blossom feeds pollinating insects, the haws feed birds through autumn and winter, and the thorny branches give birds safe nesting cover. Leaving some sections untrimmed for a year lets more of the hedge flower and fruit. For a wider mix of species, see our native mixed hedging.

Choosing the right hedge

Is a Hawthorn hedge right for you?

A great choice if you want:

  • A thorny, secure boundary
  • A native hedge for wildlife
  • A long hedge at low cost per metre
  • Exposed, windy or rural sites
  • Clay, chalk and most other soils
  • Field edges and countryside boundaries

Consider another hedge if:

  • You need a green screen through winter
  • The hedge runs beside a path or play area where thorns are a problem
  • The ground stays waterlogged
  • The site is in deep shade

Compare evergreen hedging

Where does Hawthorn grow best?

Soil and exposure

Hawthorn grows in almost any soil that is not permanently waterlogged, including heavy clay and chalk. It is very hardy and copes well with wind, so it is a good choice for exposed gardens, rural boundaries and field edges.

Sun and shade

It grows best in full sun or light shade, where it flowers and fruits most freely. In heavy shade it becomes thinner and flowers less.

Hawthorn or Blackthorn?

Both are thorny natives, but Blackthorn flowers earlier on bare stems, carries sloes and spreads by suckers, while Hawthorn stays in the hedge line and is easier to keep as a tidy garden hedge. Read Hawthorn vs Blackthorn or see our Blackthorn hedging.

Planting, growth and trimming

Planting bare-root whips

Plant bare-root Hawthorn between November and March when the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, in a weed-free strip along the line of the hedge. Young plants are a favourite with rabbits, so fit spiral guards or other protection at planting where rabbits are about, and water through the first dry spring.

How fast does Hawthorn grow?

Once established, Hawthorn typically grows around 20–40cm a year. Cutting young plants back after planting makes them branch low down, so the hedge thickens from the base instead of growing tall and gappy.

Trimming

Trim an established hedge once a year, after the nesting season, from late summer into winter. Avoid cutting while birds are nesting, roughly March to August. Our Hawthorn hedge care guide covers spacing, planting, feeding and pruning in detail.

Buying help

Buying FAQs

What size Hawthorn should I buy?

For most hedges, 40–60cm or 60–90cm bare-root whips are the best value and establish quickly. Choose 90–150cm bare-root or pot-grown plants for more height straight away, or 150–175cm root-balled plants for short stretches where you need structure from day one.

How many Hawthorn plants do I need per metre?

For a single-row hedge, plant 40–60cm bare-root whips at 6 per metre, 60–120cm bare-root plants at 5 per metre and 120–150cm plants at 4 per metre. Pot-grown Hawthorn goes in at 4 per metre up to 90cm and 3 per metre at 90–120cm.

Do you sell Hawthorn whips in bulk?

Yes. Bare-root Hawthorn comes in bulk packs from 50 plants, up to 1,000 for the 40–60cm and 60–90cm whips, with the price per plant falling as the pack gets bigger. For larger landscape or farm orders, contact us for a quote.

When is bare-root Hawthorn delivered?

Bare-root Hawthorn is lifted while dormant and is normally delivered from November to March, depending on the weather. You can pre-order now and your plants will be dispatched when the new season's stock is ready.

Is Hawthorn evergreen?

No. Hawthorn is deciduous and loses its leaves in autumn. The dense, thorny branches still mark the boundary in winter, but if you need green cover all year, choose an evergreen hedge.

Will a Hawthorn hedge keep animals out?

Once established and kept trimmed, a Hawthorn hedge makes a dense, thorny barrier that deters people and animals. Young hedges need protecting from rabbits and grazing animals until they have thickened up, and on farms they are often planted alongside a fence while they establish.

Helpful guides

More help with Hawthorn

Hawthorn hedge care & growing guide Native hedging questions & answers Are Hawthorn berries poisonous to dogs?

Related hedge plants

Compare Hawthorn with other native hedging plants suited to wildlife-friendly boundaries, rural planting and mixed hedges.

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    Blackthorn Hedge

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  • Hazel hedging plants
    Hazel Hedge

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    Dog Rose Hedge

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    Guelder Rose Hedge

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    Garden Wildlife Hedging Mix

    Garden Wildlife Hedging Mix is the next step up from the Field Wildlife Hedging Mix, containing some wonderful colours. Simply plant 5 plants per metre in a double staggered row.

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Planting essentials

Give your new hedge the best possible start with the planting products we recommend for establishment and healthy growth.

  • Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi with gel 360g pack
    Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi with Gel

    Support the establishment of newly planted hedges, trees and shrubs with Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi. The beneficial fungi form a secondary root system that helps plants access water and nutrients from the surrounding soil.

    The included dipping gel makes Rootgrow particularly convenient for bare-root hedging, while the dry granules can be applied directly to the roots of pot-grown and root-balled plants.

    Choose from 360g, 1kg and 2.5L Professional packs for domestic gardens, longer hedge lines and trade or commercial planting projects.

    Price From £14.95 Shop Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • ON SALE
    Hedge Feed 1.1kg
    Hedge Feed

    Feeding your hedging with our granular ‘Hedge Feed’ the ultimate solution for nurturing and rejuvenating your beloved hedge. Our carefully crafted long lasting granular hedge fertiliser provides the essential nutrients your hedge needs to thrive.

    Price From £8.25 Shop Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • ON SALE
    Hedge irrigation pipe
    Hedge and Garden Irrigation

    As well as supplying high quality plants we also provide a complete Irrigation package to make sure your investment thrives.

    Price From £0.95 Shop Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Hedge planting compost
    Hedge Planting Compost

    Our Hedge Planting Compost is a natural, peat free soil conditioner/improver.

    Price From £8.00 Shop Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • ON SALE
    Garden canes
    Garden Canes

    Our bamboo canes provide support to your hedge and ensures that plants fitted with a rabbit guard will grow nice and straight. They are 90cm long (3ft) and made from 100% bamboo.

    Price From £0.29 Shop Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • ON SALE
    Hedging spiral guards
    Hedging Spiral Guards

    Our Hedging Spiral Guards help protect your hedge from damage by rabbits.

    Price From £0.58 Shop Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page