25x Bare Root Whitethorn Plants (2-3ft) PRE-ORDER

First Dispatch Date: 9th November 2026

Whitethorn Hedging - Description

• Bare Root Whitethorn Hedging Plants
• Crataegus monogyna
• Also known as Whitethorn, Hawthorn and May Flower
• Native Irish Hedging Plant
• Size: 2–3ft (60–90cm)
• Age: 1 Year Old Plants (1+0 / 1 Year Transplant)
• Good Root System with Bushy, Well-Branched Plants
• Bare Root Plants - Supplied without Containers or Pots
• Quantity: 25 Plants
• Sold in Bundles of 25 Plants
• Recommended Spacing: 10–30cm Between Plants
• Closer spacing creates a thicker and denser hedge

Whitethorn Hedging - Characteristics

• Deciduous native hedging plant which can reach approximately 6m when fully grown
• Loses its foliage during winter
• Produces attractive creamy-white flowers in spring
• Produces clusters of red berries in autumn
• Very hardy and well suited to cold Irish winters
• Thorny growth makes it particularly suitable for natural boundary hedging
• Provides valuable shelter, nesting opportunities and food for wildlife

Whitethorn Hedging - Uses

• Excellent choice for native Irish gardens and traditional hedgerows
• Can be grown as an informal hedge
• Thorny growth makes it useful for creating natural boundaries and barriers
• Provides excellent habitat and shelter for birds, insects and other wildlife
• Can be planted alongside other native hedging plants such as Holly, Hazel and Blackthorn
• Can also be combined with Elder, Wild Rose, Ivy and Bramble to create a diverse native hedgerow
• Can be grown as an individual specimen shrub or small tree
• Spring flowers and autumn berries provide seasonal interest

Whitethorn Hedging - Planting Instructions

Planting Time

• Plant bare root hedging during the dormant season from October to March.
• Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or during severe frosty conditions.

Trench Preparation

• Dig a trench approximately 1.5ft wide and 1.5ft deep.
• Add well-rotted farmyard manure to the base of the trench if required.
• Cover the manure with a layer of soil before planting.

Positioning Plants

• Space plants approximately 10–30cm apart depending on the desired hedge density.
• For a thicker hedge, plants can be staggered to create a double row.
• Staggering the plants creates a wider and denser hedge.
• Backfill with suitable topsoil.
• Ensure the base of each plant is positioned just below the soil surface.
• Firm the soil carefully around the roots.
• Level the soil around the plants.

Handling the Plants

• Watering is essential both before and after planting.
• Plant the bare root plants as soon as possible after delivery.
• If planting is delayed, temporarily heel the plants into suitable soil.
• Keep the roots in their packaging and protected from direct sunlight.
• Take care not to damage the roots, bark or buds during planting.

After Care

• Water regularly until the plants are fully established.
• Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
• During prolonged dry weather, water approximately every 2 days.
• Keep the area around the new hedge free from competing weeds.
• A new hedge should be weeded at least three times during the growing season.
• We recommend weeding in March, June and September.
• Weed membrane and mulch can be used to help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Pruning

• Allow the hedge to establish and grow during its first two years.
• Once established, cut back as required to encourage dense, bushy growth.
• Regular pruning helps maintain a neat and compact hedge.

Whitethorn - Quick Facts

• Whitethorn is one of the most important and widespread native hedgerow plants in Ireland.
• It is native to Ireland and has been an important part of the Irish countryside for centuries.
• Whitethorn is sometimes known as the Fairy Tree and has a long association with Irish folklore.
• The abundant spring flowers provide an important source of nectar and pollen for insects.
• The autumn berries provide food for birds and other wildlife.
• Monogyna refers to the species' characteristic single-seeded fruit.
• Whitethorn is an excellent choice for creating a wildlife-friendly native hedgerow.