Edible Hedging

Edible hedging – more info

Planting an edible hedge is a fantastic way of diversifying the garden. Make use of edible berries to make jams and preserves packed with flavour and vitamin C. Elderflower cordial is an English cottage garden favourite, and fresh hawthorn leaves give salads a nutty boost in spring. See how else your edible choices can bring joy in the garden in the FAQs below.

Which edible hedging is scented?

Wild roses are top scented candidates for the edible hedge. Rose hips appear at the end of summer and are the key ingredient in the classic World War Two recipe for vitamin-rich rosehip syrup. Native dog roses have a delicate sweet scent whilst a more powerful scent is produced from ramanas roses. These open flowered rose types are fantastic for bees where they can easily land and gather nectar and pollen.

How to choose edible hedging

If you have a shady spot, choose Corylus avellana. This woodland tree species thrives in semi-shade, flowering with attractive catkins in spring which mature into edible hazel nuts in September and October. Simply collect the nuts to store and eat through the winter.

Which edible hedging is good for security?

The best edible hedging for security includes the thorny varieties like blackthorn and the native roses. Anyone trying to access your garden will think twice before trying to push through their spiky barbs. Blackthorn is better for a high hedge, while roses ramble and are very vigorous.