Hedge Plants for Coastal and Seaside Hedging
Some hedge plants are much happier and grow into better hedging in strong winds and salt airs than others. In some cases (Sea Buckthorn, Gorse etc) this is because they naturally occur by the sea or on hilltops, perhaps preferring poorer, sandy or chalky soils. Other plants (Escallonia, Griselinia) like the seaside for the same reasons we do - it is supposed to be warm and sunny, but also a little bit wet. There is a third group, made up of hedge plants that are just so tough they will grow anywhere (Cotoneaster, Roses, hawthorn). So this hedge plant list is dedicated to lovers of salt, sun, sand and wind... by the way most plants that will grow by the sea will also do well in windy positions inland.
Don't forget to make suggestions, comments and criticisms at http://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/blog/sitecomments
Cotoneaster simonsii
Red Berried, evergreen andimpenetrable when well grown
Cotoneaster franchettii
Orange berried, usually evergreen (except in hard winters) clips well.
Elaeagnus angustifolia
With Silver leaves, but deciduous this loves poor coastal soils. Evergreen Elaegnus ebbingei is a bit more formal but is unmoved by salt or wind.
Escallonia Donard Seedling
Like all the escallonias this loves the seaside. Glossy, scented leaves, charming flowers, good, clippable growth - this is a most amenable evergreen hedging plant (pink and white)
Escallonia iveyii
The best white hedging Escallonia. Large, very glossy dark and evergreen leaves and covered in bloom in June and July.
Escallonia rubra macrantha
Similar to iveyii (above) but with crimson flowers. A rapid grower with the most highly scented leaves.
Griselinia littoralis
Also know as New Zealand Privet. Lighter green than privet with fleshier leaves, Griselinia handles salt and gales really well.
Griselinia variegata
This is to New Zealand Privet what Golden is to Green Privet. Variegated green and gold.
Holm Oak
A naturally occuring cross between a holly and an oak with the best characteristics of both. Not prickly, evergreen and great for windy spots and by the sea.
Wild Roses
A long list - all of these do well by the sea as long as the soil contains some nourishment and is not too sandy.
Sea Buckthorn
One of the plants that likes the seaside for its salt and poor soil. Lovely silvery foliage, but serious thorns make it an excellent deterrent
Tamarisk
Feathery delicate looking foliage that is amazingly tough. This will grow in the teeth of the fiercest gale.
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