Pot Grown Beech
(Fagus Sylvatica)

Although the Beech hedge is deciduous, it is sometimes known as semi-deciduous due to the way its bold winter leaves stay on the hedge until they are ready for new leaves in the spring. As it provides year-round interest, the Beech hedge is a perfect alternative to any evergreen hedging.

We've dedicated time and care into growing your pot grown plant, so it arrives looking stunningly new and healthy.

The Beech is quite a fast grower, reaching roughly 30-60cm per annum. It is great on its own as a traditional hedge, however, it can also make a pleasant addition to a native mixed hedge, as to provide a lovely pop of colour in the winter.

The Fagus Sylvatica can grow well in sun or partial shade, and generally thrives better in well-drained soils. Though it is not suitable for wet or heavy clay sites, the Beech hedge can be grown in windy places (and can be used as a windbreak hedge). The plant is a great attraction to wildlife and is seen as one of the best hedging species for providing colourful, all year, seasonal interest.

• Growth Height: Fast (40-60cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, exposed, inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, sun
• Evergreen foliage? No

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep it well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave it for too long, however, as you don't want the roots to become root bound.

The Beech hedge has an average rate of maintenance, and if you are to plan out the care routine, you may only have to prune twice, or even once, a year. The plant can be lightly trimmed in June if necessary, however, we do recommend leaving the pruning stage until the hedge is full established in the late summer. August is generally the perfect time to do so, as the Beech has had enough time to recover and regrow before the arriving winter.

In terms of renovation, this sort of maintenance should preferably be carried out in February, whilst it is still resting. In terms of needing to cut back by more than half the size, it is generally best to gradually do it over two seasons (cut back the top and one side first, then leave the other side for next year). Hard pruning should not be worried about as Beech hedging has quite a fast growth rate, so it will more than likely quickly recover.

1. Prepare the soil by mixing in some compost. Dig the hole- this will have to be about twice the width of the root system, but the same depth.
2. Remove the plant from its pot by placing one hand on the base of the plant, and the other at the bottom of the pot. Wriggle the pot away gently.
3. Untangle the roots a little as they may be clumped together.
4. Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the base of the stem is level with the surface of the soil. Follow this with backfilling the hole with your soil mix, and patting down to lightly secure.
5. When you're done, thoroughly water the plant. Ensure you regularly water throughout its first year, as the plant needs plenty to be able to settle down, recover, and establish.