Hazel Hedge (Corylus avellana)

Hazel Hedge Plants Description

Hazel Hedge Plants (Corylus avellana) are a charming and versatile choice for hedging, valued for their dense growth, seasonal interest, and wildlife benefits. Native to the UK, hazel hedges are ideal for creating natural, informal boundaries that offer both beauty and practicality.

Hazel is a moderately fast-growing plant, typically growing 30-60cm (12-24 inches) per year. It can reach a height of 3-5 metres (10-16 feet), making it suitable for medium to tall hedges.

Foliage: Hazel has broad, rounded leaves with a slightly serrated edge, which are dark green and turn yellow in autumn. The attractive foliage provides a lush backdrop throughout the growing season.

Flowers: In early spring, before the leaves fully emerge, hazel produces catkins—long, cylindrical clusters of tiny yellow flowers. These are both ornamental and a valuable early source of pollen for bees.

Fruit: The plant produces hazelnuts in the late summer to early autumn, encased in a spiky husk. While the nuts are edible and enjoyed by humans, they are also a favourite food for wildlife, particularly squirrels and birds.

Bark: The bark of hazel is smooth and greenish-brown when young, maturing to a greyish-brown with age. It adds texture and interest to the winter landscape.

Hazel thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to a range of soil types and is fairly hardy, making it suitable for various UK climates. Hazel is also resilient to wind and can tolerate coastal conditions.

Pruning Advice

Hazel can be pruned in winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Regular pruning helps control size and density, making it easier to manage and maintain.

Hazel Hedge Plants are perfect for creating a natural, wildlife-friendly hedge that provides seasonal interest and practical benefits. Their dense foliage, attractive catkins, and edible nuts make them a valuable addition to any garden.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per metre is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per metre in a single row or ideally 6 plants per metre in a staggered row is recommended.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.