Plants in 'Seaside hedges and shelterbelts' scheme

The Field maple is a small tree which can be planted in hedgerows or be kept clipped to form a tidy hedge. It has small, maple-like leaves which turn a vivid yellow in autumn. It is resistant to cold and wind and is very suitable as a fast-growing and attractive shelter-belt tree: it is frequently planted along roadsides because of its adaptability and relatively compact size - maximum height is 15-20 metres. Although sometimes regarded as a native tree, it is in fact native to Northern Europe and Southern England. It prefers moist, fertile soil and sun or light shade. Bare root plants 60-90 cms tall, Available November - March only.

A fast-growing, columnar medium-sized native tree, ideal for fast-growing shelter belts or damp soil. Alders attractive trees with medium-sized, rounded leaves, catkings in spring and cones in autumn. They grow particularly well in wet or waterlogged soil and a frequently found growing at the edges of ponds, riverbanks or boggy areas. They play an important part in our native woodlands and can be interplanted with other hardwood trees such as ash or oak. Very useful where a fast woodland is required, such as around new houses in ruaral area where soil may be poor. Interesting purple-tinged buds in spring, followed by elegant catkins. Good seaside tolerance. Bare root plants 60-90cms tall. November to March only.

A native Irish tree which doesn't need an introduction. Long since associated with fairies, and traditionally left on its own in a field, untouched by farmer and plough for fear of retribution from the fairies. The hawthorn is a resilient, pretty tree which has masses of white flowers in May and a crop of berries in late summer. It grows in the most exposed of places, though this will naturally stunt its growth. In a garden setting, it is an upright, rounded small tree which can grow to a height and spread of up to 5 or 6 metres. In a hedgerow, it is kept clipped or layed to make a stockproof boundary. Read more about hawthorn hedges. Bare root plants, 60-90 cms tall. Available November to March only.

A very robust evergreen shrub with leathery leaves with a silvery-scaly underside. It makes a very good seaside plant, and is frequently planted as a 'first line of defence' against strong, salt-laden winds. Mix with similar plants (see our suggestions) or plant  approximately 75 cms apart to form a hedge. Once established, it is tolerant of dry conditions, but plant ideally in well-drained, moist soil in full sun or light shade. Trim in late spring if kept as a hedge. Scented flowers in late summer and autumn. 2 litre container / 45 - 55 cms tall.

Excellent value hedge for seaside and boundaries. This Escallonia, which has its origins in the North of Ireland, is a vigorous, evergreen shrub with large, glossy, dark green leaves. During the summer and into autumn it bears tubular, pink tinted white flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Grows very well by or near the sea, and if planted as a hedge should be spaced 30 - 50 cms apart, or mixed with other similar plants such as Olearia and Fuchsia. Can be clipped once or twice a year to keep it in shape. Make sure plants are maintained weed-free at the base for the first couple of years, and trim very lightly after one year to encourage bushiness.  2 litre container.

Escallonia macrantha makes an ideal shelterbelt or seaside hedge, and is tolerant of seaside conditionsis. It is a mid-sized evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and dark pink, fragrant, chalice-shaped flowers in summer. Plant in well-drained or sandy soil, and clip once a year in late summer if required. For a hedge, plant c 2 plants per metre. A good mix for a non-native seaside hedge / windbreak would comprise of equal proportions of Olearia, Tamarix, Escallonia and Fuchsia spaced 2-3 plants per metre. Many Escallonia plants have perished in the severe cold over the last year. They are not suitablle for inland areas and are suitable only for the mildest parts of the coutry. 2 litre container.

The symbol of West Cork, this South American shrub thrives in Ireland, particularly along the west coast. It has naturalised in many hedgerows, along with Crocosmia (Montbretia). It is a very easy, cheery and reliable plant that makes a good hedge in coastal counties - ideal as a shelter belt in well-drained soil or on raised ditches where it makes a fine coastal hedge. Purple and red flowers in late summer from July to October. Height and spread can be 2.5 x 2 metres. Plant 50- 70 cms apart to make a robust hedge. Fuchsia can suffer die-back after extreme cold but almost all plants recover even after very cold winters. Not recommended for inland areas. 2 litre container.

A very durable and no-nonsense hedge which is well-suited to low maintenance gardens. It has light green glossy oval-shaped leaves and, if left unclipped, can grow into a handsome medium-sized tree. Bare-root plants are Irish-grown, 2 years old with a well-developed root system, making this a most economical and robust choice of hedge. Trim once or twice a year to keep it in shape, and remember to taper it slightly towards the top so that light reaches the base and snow doesn't build up on the top. Space 30 - 45 cms apart to establish a hedge and keep weeded at the base whilst establishing. Bare root plants need to be kept moist in their bags right up until being planted. Firm in well. Excellent coastal plant but best avoided in very cold inland areas. Bare root plants 60-90cms tall. Available November to March only.

The toughest plant for the seaside. A most excellent plant for seaside windbreaks, and often the 'first line of defence' against difficult maritime conditions. It can grow in sandy soil, wet or dry, and withstand salty, seaside conditions. It is a 'nitrogen fixer' so it can also tolerate very poor soil. Its silver leaves make it an attractive, willow-llike plant, and it has thorns which mean that, if trimmed annually, it can make a most effective and vandal-proof hedge. Orange berries in autumn are retained over the winter and are a valuable source of food for some bird species. There are many culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses for this plant - oil and juices are a feature of many recipes, most especially in northern Europe. Plants should be planted in small groups as only the female plants produce berries. (We sell a mix of male and female plants) Deciduous. Height 1 - 4 metres. Bare root plants 60-90 cms. November to March only.