Mixed Hedging Plants

Why Choose a Mixed Hedge?

More Variety Than a Single-Species Hedge

Combining different hedge plants introduces variation in leaf shape, colour, texture and growth habit.

This can create a softer and more interesting boundary than planting one species continuously along the entire hedge line.

Seasonal Interest

Mixed hedges can be selected to provide interest throughout different parts of the year.

Depending on the mixture, this could include fresh spring growth, flowers, berries, autumn colour, evergreen foliage or contrasting winter stems.

Privacy and Screening

Some mixed hedging combinations are designed specifically to provide a dense garden screen.

Mixtures containing evergreen and semi-evergreen plants such as Laurel, Privet and Cotoneaster can retain considerably more winter foliage than traditional predominantly deciduous native hedging.

Always check the composition of the individual mixture if year-round screening is a priority.

Wildlife Value

Mixed planting can provide a wider range of flowers, fruits, shelter and nesting opportunities than many single-species hedges.

For maximum wildlife value, our dedicated Native Mixed Hedge Plants range contains mixtures specifically designed around traditional native species.

A More Natural Appearance

Mixed hedging is particularly useful where a perfectly uniform formal hedge would look out of place.

The variation between plants can soften garden boundaries and help new planting blend into existing landscaping.

Choosing the Right Mixed Hedge

Different mixtures perform very different jobs, so choose according to the purpose of the hedge rather than simply selecting the cheapest option.

Evergreen and Garden Mixed Hedging

Our garden mixed hedging combines plants such as Cherry Laurel, Portuguese Laurel, Golden Privet, Common Privet and Cotoneaster franchetii.

The combination gives a varied garden hedge with contrasting foliage, different shades of green and gold and a mixture of evergreen and semi-evergreen characteristics.

It is particularly suited to customers who want a decorative mixed boundary while retaining considerably more winter screening than a traditional native hedge.

Native Mixed Hedging

Our Native Mixed Hedge Plants are designed around traditional British hedge species and are particularly suitable for wildlife planting, rural boundaries, countryside gardens and larger naturalistic planting schemes.

Browse Native Mixed Hedge Plants →

Garden Wildlife Hedging Mix

Garden Wildlife Hedging Mix combines several native species to provide a varied garden boundary with flowers, berries, foliage and wildlife value.

It is a good choice where the hedge should be attractive as well as practical.

Field Wildlife Hedging Mix

Field Wildlife Hedging Mix provides a traditional countryside-style hedge and is well suited to field boundaries, rural properties and longer planting projects.

Thornless Hedging Mix

Thornless Hedging Mix is designed for areas where strongly thorny species may be inconvenient, including boundaries close to paths, entrances and frequently used garden areas.

Horse Safe Hedging Mix

Horse Safe Hedging Mix is intended for planting around paddocks and areas associated with horses.

Always consider the entire planting environment and maintain suitable stock-proof fencing separately from the hedge.

Green and Purple Beech Hedging Mix

Green and Purple Beech Hedging Mix combines contrasting foliage colours within a single-species style hedge.

It provides a more formal appearance than a traditional species-rich mixed hedge while introducing attractive colour variation.

Instant CountryHedge

Instant CountryHedge provides an established mixed hedge in pre-grown sections.

It is ideal where the natural appearance of mixed hedging is wanted with substantially greater initial height and coverage.

Evergreen Mixed Hedging or Native Mixed Hedging?

One of the biggest differences between mixed hedges is the amount of winter foliage they retain.

Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Mixed Hedges

Garden mixtures containing Laurel, Privet and other evergreen or semi-evergreen plants are usually the better choice where privacy and screening are important.

They can provide a fuller appearance during winter, although foliage retention will vary between the different plants and according to weather and growing conditions.

Native Mixed Hedges

Traditional native mixtures are generally predominantly deciduous.

They provide excellent seasonal variation, wildlife value and countryside character but should not normally be considered a completely evergreen privacy screen.

If your priority is year-round screening, compare the individual species within each mixture before ordering.

Bare Root, Pot-Grown or Instant Mixed Hedging?

Bare Root Mixed Hedge Plants

Bare root mixed hedging is normally supplied during the dormant planting season from autumn through to early spring.

It is particularly economical for longer hedge lines and is commonly used for native and countryside planting.

Pot-Grown Mixed Hedge Plants

Pot-grown plants provide considerably more flexibility over planting dates and can generally be planted throughout the year when ground and weather conditions are suitable.

Many ornamental and evergreen mixed hedges are supplied using pot-grown plants.

Instant Mixed Hedging

Instant hedging is supplied as established sections that have already been grown together.

It provides much greater initial coverage but is heavier to transport and install than individual young hedge plants.

How Many Mixed Hedge Plants Do I Need?

The correct number of plants depends on the particular mixture, plant size, root type and desired finished hedge.

Some mixed hedge packs are supplied as complete metre-long planting quantities, while others may use individual plants positioned according to a recommended spacing.

Native hedge packs are commonly planted in two staggered rows, whereas larger pot-grown garden mixes may require a different planting arrangement.

Always follow the spacing recommendation shown on the individual product page rather than assuming every mixed hedge uses the same number of plants per metre.

How to Plant Mixed Hedging

Prepare the Planting Area

Remove grass, perennial weeds and unwanted roots from the planting line before planting.

Improve poor soil where necessary and make sure heavily compacted or waterlogged ground is corrected before the hedge is planted.

Arrange the Different Plants

Mixed hedging normally looks most natural when the different plants are distributed throughout the hedge rather than planted in large blocks of one species.

The exact arrangement will depend on the mixture.

For ornamental combinations, consider how contrasting foliage colours will be distributed along the finished hedge.

Plant at the Correct Depth

Plant each hedge plant approximately at the same soil level at which it was previously growing.

Spread bare roots naturally or loosen tightly circling roots on pot-grown plants before backfilling and gently firming the surrounding soil.

Water thoroughly after planting.

Watering a New Mixed Hedge

Consistent watering is one of the most important parts of establishing any new hedge.

Water deeply around the root area rather than applying small amounts to the soil surface.

Long hedge lines can benefit from porous pipe or drip irrigation to help distribute water more consistently along the planting row.

Continue checking soil moisture regularly during dry weather, particularly throughout the first growing season.

Caring for Mixed Hedge Plants

Keep the Planting Area Weed Free

Grass and weeds compete with young hedge plants for moisture and nutrients.

Maintain a clear strip around the hedge while the plants establish.

Mulch After Planting

A suitable organic mulch can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Keep mulch slightly away from the stems rather than piling it directly around the plants.

Feed During Active Growth

A suitable hedge fertiliser can be used during the growing season according to the application instructions.

Feeding should complement good watering and soil management rather than being used as a substitute for them.

Prune According to the Plants in the Mix

One of the differences between a mixed hedge and a single-species hedge is that individual plants may grow at different rates.

Regular formative trimming helps the different species develop into a more cohesive hedge.

Always consider flowering, berry production and nesting wildlife before carrying out heavier pruning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixed Hedging

Can you mix different hedge plants together?

Yes. Many different hedge plants can be combined successfully, provided their growth habits, eventual size, site requirements and maintenance needs are compatible.

Prepared hedge mixes remove much of this guesswork by combining plants intended to grow together.

What is the best mixed hedge for privacy?

A mixture containing evergreen and semi-evergreen plants is normally better for privacy than a predominantly deciduous native mixture.

Look for combinations containing plants such as Laurel, Privet and other foliage-retaining species if winter screening is particularly important.

Can mixed hedging be evergreen?

Yes, although it depends entirely on the species used.

Some mixed hedges can be predominantly evergreen, while traditional native hedge mixtures are usually mostly deciduous.

Is mixed hedging good for wildlife?

It can be excellent for wildlife because different plants can provide different flowers, fruit, seeds and shelter.

For customers whose main priority is biodiversity and traditional native planting, our Native Mixed Hedge Plants range is the better starting point.

Can I create my own mixed hedge?

Yes.

If you have particular colours, heights or species in mind, our nursery team can help you choose compatible plants and calculate the quantities required for your hedge.

How quickly will a mixed hedge grow?

Growth rate depends on the plants included.

A mixture containing vigorous plants such as Laurel and Privet may establish significantly faster than a slower-growing combination. Regular watering, suitable soil preparation and good weed control are particularly important during establishment.

Shop Mixed Hedge Plants

Explore our complete range of mixed hedge plants, including evergreen garden mixtures, wildlife hedging, native countryside hedges, colourful Beech combinations and instant mixed hedging.