Question

Just looking at a similar post on fast growing hedging. Is Red Robin a relatively quick hedge option?  

Answer 1

I , personally, find it not thick enough to form a good, tight knit hedge. But it has been used. I used firethorn instead and it got to 6 foot in 4 years and thick by 5. From tiny twigs. For added body, i would weave its side shoots into itself. Looks fab and its burgler proof too

Answer 2

Laurel is one of the fastest growing, but a native mix of hedge plants such as hawthorn make the best hedges.  

Comments

@porphyrin all depends if you have to cut it! I’d go thornless unless its for security but hawthorn is a good hedge for robins as it keeps the cats out

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Yes, there is that, it looks lovely laid though in years to come.  

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And it smells lovely too!  

Answer 3

Laurel, beautiful colour leaves all year round

Answer 4

We have Laurel and that grows well. Bushy too. Clay soil.  

Answer 5

Thanks peeps. I had laurel in my last house and I’m not keen tbh. I think I may go with hawthorne or good old privet. Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated  

Answer 6

Well said Photina there old name was Stanvaesia davidiana.  

Answer 7

Privet is a very slow grower

Answer 8

My hedge is indigenous a mixture of blackthorn white thorn hedge roses, hazelnut. You can buy mixed bunches called whips on line , need to plant them in the winter before saps rises we keep our cut to 4ft but you can let it grow higher. Hedge is in the right of the photo. It does shed its leaves in the winter but excellent for bird nesting

Comments

That’s lovely. I realise I’ve left it a little late so need to get something in this weekend. I only want height of 4-5ft as well. Thank you

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@vocalise82207 you can buy them in pots that are bigger but whips are like a stick you just heel in the ground you can still plant them up to April but will take a couple of years to get going. It’s a lovely natural hedge

Answer 9

Grisalinia is good has a smaller leaf than Laurel

Comments

Never thought of that! It’s the size of the leaves on Laurels that I’m not keen on. Thank you

Answer 10

We planted red robin and laurel last spring. This is the red Robin (not grown much) but is lovely

Answer 11

This is the laurel grown at least nearly double

Answer 12

Agree with you . Not keen on laurel either. Hawthorn is lovely. Maybe you could underpants with Red Robin - I have some in a shady spot . it has grown quite low to the ground and doesn't seem to mind the trees above taking most of the moisture (as your 'main' hedge would).  

Answer 13

Love predictive text! 'Underplant'.  

Answer 14

Love red robin they'll start shooting away now and be a beautiful reddish shade