Choosing Bare-Root Hedging in the Scottish Borders

Looking to grow a hedge on a budget? Bare root plants are affordable, easy to plant, and grow fast once in the ground. Ideal whether you want a wildlife haven, a robust hedge for privacy or a decorative hedge along a boundary fence, bare root hedging is ideal.

Below is a guide to choosing bare-root hedging in the Borders, focusing on species perfectly suited to its climate and rural character.

The Scottish Borders is a varied landscape of rolling hills, open farmland, river valleys and exposed high ground — a place where hedging plants must cope with wind, cold winters, varying rainfall, and often poor or thin soils. Bare-root hedging is ideal: it’s affordable, easy to plant during the dormant season, and offers a huge range of hardy species that thrive in our beautiful but sometimes challenging environment.

 

Understanding the Scottish Borders Growing Conditions

Before selecting your hedge, consider the conditions typical of the area you live in:

  • Exposure: Many sites are open and windy — favour tough, native, or wind-tolerant species.
  • Soils: Borders soils range from fertile river valleys to heavier clays and upland loams. The species listed below tolerate most of these well.
  • Rainfall & Cold: Winters can be long and cool so we have included plants with proven hardiness.
  • Wildlife: The Borders is rich in birds and pollinators — mixed native hedging is ideal for supporting local biodiversity.

Best Bare-Root Hedging Species for the Scottish Borders

Tough, Native Hedging for Exposure & Wildlife

These are the backbone of many Borders hedgerows — hardy, dependable, and perfect for rural settings.

Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)

The classic Scottish hedgerow species.

  • Wind-resistant, cold-hardy, and great for stock boundaries.
  • Provides blossom, hips, dense cover, and nests for wildlife.
    Ideal for: exposed sites, field boundaries, wildlife corridors.

Corylus avellana (Hazel)

Perfect for mixed native hedges.

  • Provides nuts for wildlife, catkins in late winter.
  • Grows well in most soils.
    Ideal for: shelterbelts, rural gardens, mixed hedging.

Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan)

A beloved Scottish native tree.

  • Flame-orange berries for thrushes and blackbirds.
  • Tolerates wind, cold, and poor soils.
    Ideal for: adding height, colour, and habitat.

Salix alba (White Willow)

Excellent for wetter ground or riverside areas.

  • Fast-growing, tolerant of flooding and wind.
    Ideal for: damp sites, large properties, shelterbelts.

Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine)

Scotland’s native conifer.

  • Handles exposure better than almost any other tall species.
    Ideal for: windbreaks, upland areas, woodland-style hedge lines.

Ornamental & Colourful Hedging for Borders Gardens

These species add visual interest, especially important in winter or in decorative garden settings.

Cornus Species (Dogwoods)

Brilliant for Borders winters — their stems shine in low light.

  • C. alba 'Sibirica' – blazing red stems
  • C. alba 'Kesselringii' – deep purple-black
  • C. alba 'Elegantissima' – variegated foliage + red stems
  • C. stolonifera 'Flaviramea' – bright yellow stems
  • Ideal for: moisture-retentive soils, winter colour, wildlife hedges.

Amelanchier canadensis

One of the best small trees for Scottish climates.

  • Blossoms early, fruits in summer, and colours brilliantly in autumn.
  • Ideal for: decorative hedgelines, mixed ornamental hedges.

Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’

·         Produces early spring flowers loved by bumblebees emerging from hibernation.

·         Ideal for: wildlife-friendly gardens, informal hedges.

Rosa rugosa 

A superb, almost indestructible hedging rose.

  • Withstands wind, salt, poor soil, hard pruning.
  • Large hips for winter birds.
  • Ideal for: coastal or exposed sites, wildlife hedges, security.

 

Evergreen & Year-Round Structure for Privacy

The Borders benefits hugely from evergreens that provide winter cover and shelter.

Ilex aquifolium (Holly)

One of the toughest evergreen hedges for Scotland.

  • Excellent in shade and wind.
  • Berries feed thrushes and blackbirds.
  • Ideal for: security, mixed evergreen/native hedging.

Ligustrum ovalifolium & aureum (Privet & Golden Privet)

Semi-evergreen, quick to establish.

  • Tolerates wind and pollution.
  • 'Aureum' brightens darker gardens with golden leaves.
  • Both types can be mixed to add extra interest.
  • Ideal for: garden boundaries, low-maintenance hedging.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' (Cherry Laurel)

One of the best large evergreen screens for the Borders — but needs space.

  • Tolerates wind surprisingly well.
  • Ideal for: privacy screens, large gardens.

Structural Trees for Larger Properties & Shelterbelts

These species help create height and long-term structure, especially on farms or large rural sites.

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)

·         Moves beautifully in Borders wind; fast-growing and elegant.

·         Ideal for: woodland-style hedges, shelter lines.

Quercus rubra (Red Oak)

Striking red autumn colour.

  • Hardy and fast-growing in the Borders.
  • Ideal for: large landscapes, accent planting.

Larix decidua (Larch)

·         Deciduous conifer with golden autumn colour.

·         Ideal for: shelterbelts and woodland mixes.

Building the Perfect Hedge

Exposed rural sites:

  • Hawthorn
  • Hazel
  • Rosa rugosa
  • Scots pine
  • Dogwoods
  • Willow for wetter patches

Wildlife-rich hedging:

  • Hawthorn
  • Hazel
  • Dogwood (any variety)
  • Rowan
  • Rugosa roses
  • Ribes sanguineum

Colour & garden structure:

  • Dogwood mix (yellow, red, black stems)
  • Amelanchier
  • Purple beech
  • Rugosa rose
  • Golden privet ‘Aureum’

Privacy & wind protection:

  • Laurel
  • Holly
  • Privet
  • Purple or green beech (excellent winter screening)

From colourful dogwoods, rugged hawthorn, elegant beech and tough Scots pine, there is something to suit everyone.  Whether you want a wildlife haven, a robust farm boundary, or a decorative garden hedge, choosing bare-root plants gives you excellent value and choice. 

 

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