How to Grow Hawthorn Hedges
Whether formal or informal, hedges are a common way of delineating gardens and yards. There are many kinds of hedge plants, but a favorite among many is the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), whose name literally means "thorny hedge." This thorny plant has been in use for centuries as a way to enclose property and deter invaders. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hawthorn shrubs or trees (Crataegus monogyna, or a "Common Hawthorn")
- Shovel or hand shovel
- Gloves
- Pruners
- Stakes
- Twine
- Soil, as needed
- Soil amendments, as needed
Instructions
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Planting and Growing Your Hawthorn Hedge
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1
Using twine tied between stakes, mark out your planting area. If you want a formal and precise hedgerow, you'll need to set your plants in a straight line by using the twine as your center line. For less formal rows, use the twine as a loose guide to demarcate the general area where you want your plants to grow.
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2
Remove existing plants, weeds, rocks and other debris from the planting area. Depending on how formal you want your hedge to be, you may also want to level the ground using a shovel.
Based on the design of your hedge, dig a planting trench or planting holes for the plants. For example, if you want a wide hedge, plant the hawthorn in two rows, staggering the plants between each other in a trench.
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3
Set your hawthorn plants into the ground about a foot apart. Place the plants slightly closer together if you want a small, formal hedge. For an informal hedge, space the plants more than a foot apart. Use the hand shovel and the extra soil to fill the hole or trench in order to stabilize the plants. Remove the stake-and-twine planting guides as you go.
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4
After planting, trim the plants back to encourage thickness at the base of a formal hedge. If you are using young plants that are 1 to 2 years old, it is recommended that you cut them back until they are 6 to 10 inches tall. Cut older plants by one-third of their height. If you are planting an informal hedge, trimming is not required, but it can still be done to encourage thickness.
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5
Cut back new growth regularly to maintain the shape of the hedge. The general rule of thumb is to trim six inches of every foot of new growth of your formal hedge until it grows to the desired height and thickness. Formal hedges should have a base wider than their top.
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Tips & Warnings
Planting should be done when the plants are dormant, usually from October through March.
Use protective gloves when planting and pruning to protect against scratchy twigs and thorns, as well as from your pruner blades.
Use sharp blades to make work less strenuous and safer.
