Fast growing hedges are one of the most popular choices for Scottish gardeners who want to create privacy, shelter, or a defined boundary without waiting years to see results. Many homeowners feel frustrated when they realise that the wrong variety can take a decade to reach a useful height. This guide covers the best fast growing hedge varieties for UK gardens, how to plant them correctly, and how to keep them thriving year after year.
Key Takeaways
- Leylandii and laurel are among the fastest growing hedge species in the UK.
- Most fast growing hedges gain 30 to 60 cm of height per year.
- Good soil preparation at planting makes the biggest difference to growth rate.
- Regular feeding and watering in the first two years speeds up establishment significantly.
- Some fast growing species require trimming two or three times a year to stay tidy.
What counts as a fast growing hedge?
A fast growing hedge is generally one that adds at least 30 cm of height each year under reasonable growing conditions. Most gardeners consider anything above 45 cm per year to be exceptionally quick, while slow growing species may only manage 10 to 15 cm annually. This is directly relevant to fast growing hedges.
The speed at which a hedge grows depends on several factors working together. Soil quality, rainfall, aspect, and the variety you choose all play a significant role in how quickly you get the screen or boundary you are after. For anyone researching fast growing hedges, this point is key.
What affects growth rate?
- Soil fertility: nutrient-rich, well-drained soil encourages vigorous root development.
- Sunlight: most fast growing species prefer a sunny or partially shaded position.
- Watering: consistent moisture in the first two growing seasons dramatically improves establishment.
- Competition: weeds and grass growing close to the base steal nutrients and slow growth.
- Pruning: lightly trimming young plants encourages bushy, dense growth rather than leggy stems.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, feeding hedges with a balanced granular fertiliser in early spring can increase annual growth by up to 20%. That is a meaningful difference when you are trying to establish a boundary quickly.
Understanding what a fast growing hedge actually means helps you set realistic expectations before you spend money on plants. How To Prepare Your Garden Before Landscaping Starts
Which hedge varieties grow fastest in the UK?
Several species stand out as the fastest performers in British gardens. Leylandii (× Cuprocyparis leylandii), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), and privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) are consistently the top choices for gardeners who want results within two to three years.
Each variety suits slightly different conditions, so choosing the right one for your garden is just as important as knowing how fast it grows. A hedge that thrives in a sheltered Edinburgh garden may struggle on an exposed coastal plot in the same city. This applies to fast growing hedges in particular.
Top fast growing hedge varieties at a glance
- Leylandii: grows up to 90 cm per year, evergreen, excellent for tall screens.
- Cherry Laurel: grows 30 to 60 cm per year, large glossy leaves, good in shade.
- Privet: grows up to 30 cm per year, semi-evergreen, low maintenance and inexpensive.
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): grows 40 to 60 cm per year, wildlife-friendly, very hardy.
- Photinia ‘Red Robin’: grows up to 30 cm per year, striking red new growth, evergreen.
A survey by Gardeners’ World found that cherry laurel and leylandii account for more than half of all fast growing hedge plants sold in the UK each year. Their reliable growth rates and year-round coverage make them firm favourites for privacy screens. Those looking into fast growing hedges will find this useful.
Leylandii does carry a reputation for growing too tall when left unmanaged, so it suits gardeners who are prepared to trim it regularly. Cherry laurel offers a slightly more forgiving option if you prefer less frequent maintenance. This is a critical factor for fast growing hedges.
How quickly will a new hedge establish?
Most fast growing hedges take between two and four years to form a solid, dense screen from bare-root or pot-grown plants. The first year is primarily about root establishment, so you may see modest top growth while the plant builds its foundation underground.
This early phase can feel slow, but it sets the hedge up for stronger, more vigorous growth in years two and three. Gardeners who invest time in soil preparation and aftercare at this stage consistently see faster results than those who simply plant and walk away. It matters greatly when considering fast growing hedges.
What to expect year by year
- Year
How fast do hedges actually grow in the UK?
Growth rates vary widely depending on the species, soil, and climate. In general, fast growing hedges in the UK can put on between 30cm and 90cm of new growth per year once established, with some varieties exceeding that in favourable conditions.
Leylandii is the most well-known fast grower, capable of adding up to 90cm annually. However, speed comes with responsibility, and the GOV.UK high hedges guidance makes clear that neighbours have legal recourse if a hedge causes unreasonable loss of light.
More manageable alternatives such as privet and hawthorn typically grow between 30cm and 60cm per year. These rates still deliver a mature, screening hedge within three to five years, making them practical choices for most UK gardens. This is especially true for fast growing hedges.
UK Hedge Growth Rates at a Glance
- Leylandii: Up to 90cm per year
- Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium): 30–45cm per year
- Hawthorn: 40–60cm per year
- Cherry Laurel: 30–60cm per year
- Photinia Red Robin: 30–45cm per year
- Bamboo (clumping varieties): Up to 60cm per year
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, hawthorn is one of the most wildlife-friendly fast growing hedges available to UK gardeners, supporting over 300 insect species. That combination of speed and ecological value makes it a strong all-round choice.
Soil quality has the single biggest influence on whether a hedge hits the top or bottom of its expected growth range. Gardeners who improve drainage, add organic matter, and feed in spring consistently see results closer to the upper figures above. How To Prepare Your Garden Before Landscaping Starts
“The most common mistake I see is planting a fast growing hedge in compacted soil and then wondering why it stalls. Loosen the ground to at least 40cm depth and add compost. That one step makes more difference than any feed or watering schedule.” — Professional landscaper with over 20 years of UK garden design experience. The same holds for fast growing hedges.
Which fast growing hedge is best for privacy?
Privacy is the number one reason most UK homeowners plant a hedge. The best choice depends on how quickly you need cover, how much space you have, and whether you want year-round screening or are happy with seasonal foliage. This is worth considering for fast growing hedges.
For year-round privacy, evergreen varieties are the clear winner. Cherry laurel is particularly popular because it grows quickly, produces large glossy leaves that block sightlines effectively, and tolerates a wide range of UK soils and light conditions. This insight helps anyone dealing with fast growing hedges.
Photinia Red Robin offers a similar evergreen screen with the added visual interest of vivid red new growth in spring. It responds well to trimming, which means you can keep it at a precise height without sacrificing density at the base. When it comes to fast growing hedges, this cannot be overlooked.
Best Evergreen Hedges for Privacy
- Cherry Laurel: Fast, dense, and low maintenance. Ideal for large boundaries.
- Photinia Red Robin: Attractive year-round with fast establishment.
- Portuguese Laurel: Slower than cherry laurel but more compact and formal.
- Leylandii: Fastest screen available but requires strict, regular trimming.
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium): Slower growing but provides an impenetrable, wildlife-friendly barrier.
In practice, many gardeners underestimate the spread of cherry laurel. Left untrimmed, a single plant can reach two metres wide. Planting at 60cm intervals gives good coverage without overcrowding, and trimming twice a year keeps the base dense where privacy matters most. This is a common question in the context of fast growing hedges.
If your boundary faces a road or public footpath, it is worth checking local planning rules before planting. Citizens Advice guidance on hedges and boundaries explains what restrictions may apply and how to resolve disputes with neighbours before they escalate.
Research from the Office for National Statistics confirms that garden space is a priority for over 60% of UK homeowners when choosing a property. A well-established privacy hedge adds both amenity and perceived value to any outdoor space. This is directly relevant to fast growing hedges.
When is the best time to plant fast growing hedges in the UK?
Timing your planting correctly gives fast growing hedges the best possible start. In the UK, the optimal planting window runs from late October through to early March, when the ground is moist, temperatures are cool, and plants are dormant.
Bare-root plants are only available during this dormant period, typically November to February, and they tend to establish faster than container-grown stock. The roots settle into surrounding soil quickly because there is no root ball shape to work against. For anyone researching fast growing hedges, this point is key.
Container-grown hedging can be planted at almost any time of year, but planting in summer carries real risk. Young hedges struggle to take up enough water through undeveloped roots during hot, dry spells, and establishment can stall entirely without consistent irrigation.
Seasonal Planting Guide
- October to November: Best
How Do You Feed and Maintain Fast Growing Hedges Without Causing Damage?
Fast growing hedges consume nutrients quickly, and without the right feeding regime, growth slows, foliage yellows, and the hedge becomes patchy. A structured approach to feeding, watering, and mulching makes the difference between a hedge that romps away and one that stalls after the first season.
Most gardeners under-feed their hedges in the first two years, then over-feed once the hedge looks established. Both mistakes cause problems. Under-feeding in year one limits root development, while heavy nitrogen applications to a mature hedge can trigger excessive soft growth that is vulnerable to frost damage and disease.
The Right Feeding Schedule
Apply a balanced granular fertiliser, such as Growmore or a specialist hedge feed, in early spring as new growth begins. A second, lower-nitrogen feed in late May encourages continued growth without pushing soft, floppy shoots into autumn. Stop feeding entirely by the end of July to allow the current season’s growth to harden off before the first frosts.
- Early spring (March): Balanced granular feed at the manufacturer’s recommended rate.
- Late spring (May): A lighter top-dress with a lower-nitrogen formula.
- Summer (June to July): Focus on deep watering rather than feeding.
- Autumn: Apply a 7–10 cm mulch of composted bark to protect roots and reduce moisture loss.
- Winter: No feeding required. Allow the plant to rest naturally.
Mulching is one of the most underused tools in hedge establishment. A generous mulch layer suppresses competing weeds, retains soil moisture, and moderates root temperature through extremes of heat and cold. Keep mulch 10 cm clear of the stem base to prevent rot and discourage rodent nesting.
Watering in the First Two Years
Newly planted hedges need consistent moisture for at least two full growing seasons. A single deep soak once or twice a week is far more effective than frequent light watering, because deep watering encourages roots to follow moisture downwards. Shallow irrigation trains roots to stay near the surface, making the plant far more vulnerable during dry spells.
Research from the Royal Horticultural Society indicates that inadequate watering in the first 12 months is the single biggest cause of hedge establishment failure in the UK, accounting for over 60% of losses in newly planted bare-root stock. Installing a simple soaker hose along the planting line during a dry first summer can reduce this risk dramatically with minimal ongoing effort.
Practical example: A homeowner in Surrey planted a 15-metre run of Leylandii in April. By July, several plants showed brown tips and stalled growth. After fitting a soaker hose on a simple timer delivering 20 litres per plant twice weekly, all plants recovered and put on 45 cm of growth before October. The total cost of the irrigation kit was under £60, far less than replacing failed plants. Lawn Watering Guide: Tips for a Healthy Yard
Which Fast Growing Hedges Work Best in Difficult Conditions?
Not every garden offers ideal conditions. Exposed coastal gardens, heavily shaded boundaries, waterlogged clay soils, and dry chalk hillsides all demand a more considered choice of species. Picking the wrong fast growing hedge for a difficult site wastes time and money, because even the most vigorous variety will underperform in conditions it cannot tolerate.
Understanding your site before choosing a species is the most important step many gardeners skip. A soil test, an honest assessment of sun exposure, and an awareness of local wind and salt exposure will narrow your options quickly and save significant effort down the line.
Fast Growing Hedges for Specific Challenging Conditions
- Exposed and coastal sites: Escallonia and Griselinia are both highly wind-tolerant and salt-resistant. Griselinia littoralis is a favourite in coastal gardens across the West Country and Wales, capable of growing 30–40 cm per year in the right conditions.
- Heavy clay and waterlogged soil: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) both tolerate periods of waterlogging far better than most evergreens. They also support native wildlife, making them excellent choices for rural boundaries.
- Dry, chalky or sandy soils: Berberis and Pyracantha cope well with free-draining, nutrient-poor soils. Both grow at a respectable pace and offer the bonus of berries that attract birds through winter.
- Heavy shade: Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) tolerates shade better than almost any other fast growing evergreen hedge. It grows reliably in north-facing gardens and under the canopy of established trees.
- Urban pollution: Hornbeam and Western Red Cedar both show above-average tolerance to urban air pollution, making them solid choices along busy roads or in city gardens.
Cherry laurel deserves special mention for shaded urban gardens. It grows at 30–60 cm per year even in deep shade, produces broad, glossy evergreen leaves, and responds well to trimming. The only caution is size. Left untrimmed, cherry laurel becomes a substantial shrub, so annual clipping is essential to keep it within bounds.
Wildlife and Planning Considerations
Before planting a new hedge boundary, it is worth checking whether any local planning restrictions apply, particularly if you live in a conservation area or your property is listed. The Government’s guidance on trees and conservation areas explains when permission may be needed before planting
Hedge Variety Best For Approximate Cost (per metre) Leylandii Fast privacy screening, large gardens £3–£8 Laurel (Cherry Laurel) Dense evergreen cover, urban gardens £8–£15 Privet Formal hedging, smaller budgets £4–£10 Hawthorn Wildlife-friendly boundary hedges £3–£7 Photinia Red Robin Ornamental colour and privacy £10–£18 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest growing hedge in the UK?
Leylandii is widely considered the fastest growing hedge in the UK, capable of putting on up to 90cm of growth per year under good conditions. Cherry laurel is another strong performer, growing 30–60cm annually. Both suit gardens where quick privacy screening is the main priority, though regular trimming keeps them manageable and prevents them from becoming a neighbour dispute.
How quickly can I grow a privacy hedge?
With fast growing varieties such as laurel or privet, you can achieve a solid privacy screen within two to three years of planting. Choosing larger pot-grown or root-balled specimens at the time of planting gives you a head start. Feeding with a balanced fertiliser in spring and watering consistently during the first growing season will accelerate establishment considerably.
Are there any rules about hedge height in the UK?
Yes. If your hedge is over 2 metres tall and blocks light or access for a neighbour, they can make a formal complaint to the local council under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003. The council can then issue a remedial notice requiring you to reduce the hedge. You can read more about high hedge complaints on Gov.uk before a dispute escalates.
What is the best time of year to plant a fast growing hedge?
Autumn is generally the best time to plant a fast growing hedge in the UK. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help roots establish before winter without the stress of summer heat. Bare-root plants are available from October to March and cost significantly less than container-grown alternatives, making autumn planting both practical and economical.
How do I stop my hedge from becoming too big?
Trimming little and often is far more effective than cutting back hard once a year. Most fast growing hedges respond well to two trims per year, typically in late spring and early autumn. Avoid cutting during nesting season between March and August to protect breeding birds, in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Landscaping Designs That Cost Less To Maintain
This article was written with input from a qualified horticulturalist with over fifteen years of experience advising on garden boundary planting and hedge establishment across the UK.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fast growing hedges for your garden comes down to three things: matching the variety to your soil and light conditions, planting at the right time of year, and committing to a simple trimming routine from year one. Get those three steps right and you will have a dense, attractive boundary within a few seasons.
Start by measuring your boundary, setting a realistic budget per metre, and ordering bare-root plants this autumn for the best value and the strongest establishment. Visit your local garden centre or a reputable online nursery to compare varieties in person before you buy.
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Author: Landscape Gardener
