Whitethorn, also called hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), is a fast-growing, thorny native hedge with dark glossy leaves, scented white flowers in spring and red haws in autumn. Hedging.ie is DAFM-registered, and we deliver free anywhere in Ireland, including Northern Ireland.
Bare Root Whitethorn Hedging (Crataegus monogyna)
Price range: €0.85 through €3.00
🚚 FREE 32 county delivery
🌱 DAFM-registered
🇮🇪 Irish-Grown & Climate Tough
Description
Bare root whitethorn hedging for a native, stockproof hedge
Whitethorn (Crataegus monogyna), also known as hawthorn or quickthorn, is Ireland’s most traditional native hedge. It grows quickly, forms a dense thorny barrier, and supports birds, pollinators and other wildlife. It is a popular choice for field boundaries, farms and gardens. Our bare root plants are lifted from November to March while dormant, giving you healthy plants at the lowest price per plant. Hedging.ie is DAFM-registered, trading since 2011, and our whitethorn is sourced from trusted Irish growers.
Whitethorn at a glance
- Type: native, deciduous and thorny
- Sizes: 1-2ft, 2-3ft, 3-4ft and 4-5ft
- Bare root season: November to March
- Spacing: 4 plants per yard for a single row, 6 per yard for a double staggered row
- Growth rate: 18-36 inches (45-90cm) a year
- Typical hedge height: 1.5-3m when trimmed
- Soil: most soils, including heavy and wet ground
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Seasonal interest: scented white blossom in spring, red haws in autumn
- Delivery: free across Ireland and Northern Ireland
Why choose whitethorn?
- Stockproof: dense, thorny growth makes an effective barrier for livestock and a deterrent for intruders.
- Great for wildlife: blossom feeds pollinators, and haws and cover support birds and small mammals.
- Native and low maintenance: hardy across Ireland and tolerant of most soils.
- Good value: one of the lowest-cost hedging plants, so it suits long boundaries.
How to plant bare root whitethorn
Plant between November and March, on a day when the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Soak the roots for an hour or two, dig a trench wide enough for the roots to spread, and set the plants at 4 per yard for a single row or 6 per yard for a double staggered row. Firm the soil, water well, and keep the base weed free. Heel plants into soil or keep them covered until you’re ready to plant, so the roots don’t dry out.
How fast will whitethorn grow?
Whitethorn grows roughly 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90cm) a year once established. Left uncut it will become a tall hedge or small tree, so trim to the height you want.
Pruning and maintenance
After planting, cut back the young plants to encourage branching, and leave it for the first two years before shaping. Trim while the plants are dormant in winter. Irish law generally prohibits cutting hedges between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds, so plan your trimming for autumn and winter.
Whitethorn, beech or hornbeam?
Whitethorn is the best choice for a stockproof, wildlife-friendly native hedge. For brighter autumn colour and year-round screening, see our beech hedging or hornbeam hedging. For an evergreen privacy hedge, see our bare root laurel.
Delivery
Free delivery across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Bare root whitethorn ships from November, once the plants are dormant. Please inspect your order on delivery and contact us if there is a problem.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
- Is whitethorn the same as hawthorn? Yes. Whitethorn, hawthorn, quickthorn and May are all names for Crataegus monogyna, the native thorny hedge plant.
- How many whitethorn plants do I need per metre or yard? Plant about 4 per yard for a single row, or 6 per yard for a thicker double staggered row. Measure your hedge length and multiply by the number per yard.
- When is the best time to plant bare root whitethorn? Plant between November and March, while the plants are dormant, avoiding frozen or waterlogged ground.
- How fast does a whitethorn hedge grow? Whitethorn grows roughly 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90cm) a year once established, fastest with regular watering in the first year.
- Is whitethorn good for wildlife and stockproof hedging? Yes. Its dense thorny growth makes an effective barrier, while the blossom supports pollinators and the haws and cover support birds and small mammals.
- When can I trim a whitethorn hedge? Trim in winter while the hedge is dormant. Irish law generally prohibits cutting hedges from 1 March to 31 August to protect nesting birds.
- Do you deliver whitethorn to Northern Ireland? Yes. We deliver free across Ireland, including Northern Ireland.
Additional information
| Size | 1 – 2ft ( 30 – 60cm ) Bare Root, 2 – 3ft ( 60 – 90cm ) Bare Root, 3 – 4ft ( 90 – 120cm ) Bare Root, 4 – 5ft ( 120 – 152cm ) Bare Root |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate | 18 – 36 inches |
| Hardiness | Very Hardy |
| Soil Conditions | Most Soil Types |
| Spacing | 6 to a Yard Double Row |
| Maintenance | it should be allowed to grow for the first two years and cut back to allow to thicken up., Prune during winter months, when hedge is dormant. Initially |
| Seasonality | Spring produces clusters of prominent scented white flowers come into leaf. Autumn produces glossy red haws (berries). |
