Why Buy Our Hedging Trees?
- Our hedging trees are plug plants which can be planted all year round. No rush to plant as roots are not exposed.
- Grown in the North UK which makes the plants much hardier (used to bad weather and political scandal)
- Very easy to plant, little cultivation required and very high success rate.
- Our trees are covered by a FREE TREE WARRANTY. (first 15% not covered)
- Plants do not "check" when planted so rapid early growth.
- Root plug contains both naturally occurring mycorrhizae and fertilizer.
- Growing containers eliminate root spiralling.
- FREE DELIVERY (UK Mainland only).
Rhamnus cathartica – Purging Buckthorn. A fast-growing, thorny, wildlife-rich hedge or woodland shrub that thrives on chalk and coastal sites.
If you want a tough, quick hedge or a wildlife-friendly shrub for mixed planting, Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) earns its keep. It grows fast, handles chalk and exposed coastal gardens, and builds a secure, bird-friendly thicket with blossom and berries. Expect green foliage through summer that turns yellow in autumn, yellow-green flowers, and glossy black berries for the birds. Seeds and leaves are mildly poisonous to us (we assume only humans are reading this?) and animals although birds eat the berries with little to no effect. Although described as poisonous the consequences of ingestion are stomach cramps and your bowel valve being fully opened at short notice so no good for lovers of constipation.
Why Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Makes a Good Hedge
It’s quick, dense and naturally defensive thanks to thorny branches. That makes a reliable privacy screen and a great wildlife corridor. It copes with full sun or partial shade and is happy on many soils, especially chalk. Flowers attract pollinators, and birds use the twiggy framework for nesting and the berries for food. Purging Buckthorn is a food source for the Tiger moth which we assume is the insect and not the plane because no plant we know of has aviation fuel berries. It is also a food source for the caterpillars of the Brimstone butterfly and used by birds for nesting.
Advantages of Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) for Hedging
- Fast growth and density: Builds a solid, secure hedge with minimal fuss.
- Wildlife value: Nectar for insects; berries and cover for birds; larval food for brimstone butterfly.
- Soil tolerance: Excellent on chalk and lighter soils; manages coastal exposure.
- Versatility: Works as a hedge or in mixed woodland schemes.
Disadvantages to Consider Before Buying Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
- Thorns: Great for security, less great near paths where you brush past.
- Waterlogging: Struggles in poorly drained, sodden ground.
- Fruit/leaf toxicity: Mildly poisonous to people and livestock; site sensibly. A good choice for general woodland planting or hedging.
- Shortening the name is problematic. Alder Buckthorn shortens to Al, for those wanting to get friendly with their plants. Getting friendly with Pu just sounds wrong.
Benefits of Using Our Cell-Grown Plug Plants
We supply Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) as strong, cell-grown plug plants with roots set in compost. Unlike bare-root stock limited to November to March, plugs can be planted any time of year with watering during dry spells. Intact roots mean quick establishment, low transplant shock and easy handling. All our cell-grown trees are UK-grown in Scotland for strong establishment and local adaptation.
Planting & Care Tips for Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
- Plant in sun or partial shade on well-drained soils; thrives on chalk and copes with coastal exposure.
- Avoid water-logged conditions; improve drainage on heavy clay sites.
- Light annual trimming maintains density; heavier cuts in winter if reshaping is needed.
Soil & Site Conditions
Suits most well-drained soils; prefers neutral to alkaline conditions and excels on chalk. Tolerates coastal wind and salt spray once established. Avoid planting where water sits after rain.
Wildlife & Ecological Role
Blossom supports pollinators. Dense, thorny growth offers nesting cover. Berries feed birds in late season. Caterpillars of brimstone butterfly use it as a host plant.
Growth & Maintenance Details
Fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree, typically to around 10 m tall and 4 m wide when untrimmed. Responds well to pruning for hedge height control and thickness.
Companion Species & Alternatives
Mix with Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Field Maple (Acer campestre) or Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) for varied texture and wildlife value. If out of stock, Hawthorn or Blackthorn are strong alternatives for similar conditions.
Pest & Disease Notes
Generally resilient. Watch for aphids on soft growth; wash off with a soft spray of water. Protect young plants from browsing where deer or livestock are present.
Wholesale Tree Prices for Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
We’re happy to quote for quantities of 1000 trees or more. Please contact us here.
How Many Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Hedging Trees Do I Need?
For a dense screen, plant 6 per metre using the double staggered hedge method. For a single row hedge, plant 3 per metre.
Seasonal Availability & Dispatch Information
Purging Buckthorn plug plants are available to buy online all year. Plant any time with care during dry spells and water well until established.
Interesting Facts About Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
- Unusually, peeling back the bark reveals an orange colour.
- The fruits and bark were used to make a yellow dye.
Allegedly Interesting Information About Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Parts of USA and Ontario consider this to be an invasive plant. If Trump had known this while in office the first time, he probably would have tried to build a wall to keep it out or sent bombers.
The name of Purging Buckthorn comes from times when it was used as a laxative. It was either extremely effective or other names were just too long i.e. "Gentle Bowel Movement Buckthorn".
Delivery
Due to courier unpredictability, we advise having your trees delivered AT LEAST 3 days before you actually need them.
Returning Cell-Grown Trees
For phytosanitary reasons, cell-grown trees cannot be returned to the nursery.
Delaying Planting Cell-Grown Trees
If you cannot plant straight away, take the trees out of the packaging and stand upright next to each other in a sheltered location outside. November to March, no need to water unless they start to dry out and these would be ok for up to 6 weeks. During Spring and Summer, you can do this for up to 3 weeks.
Site Conditions and Evergreen Tree List
Our Tree Chart details which site conditions suit which trees and also which are evergreen or semi-evergreen.
Feeding or Fertilising Hedges
Any nitrogen-based fertiliser will do such as 20:20:10 but the longer-lasting ones which take 18/24 months are better as they are regulated by the weather and moisture, therefore release slowly.
Second Line of Hedging or Staggered Row
We recommend planting the second line of trees 25 cm or 10 inches away from the first if using the staggered hedging approach. Consider buying 10% more than you need and plant the spares elsewhere so you have immediate replacements for damaged or diseased trees.
Hedge Protection
For all hedging protection please view the Tree Extras Section.
You would think that thorny plants would put rabbits off from eating them however this is not the case. They are happy to take the pain regardless of the cost (sounds like rabbits would be suited to marriage).
Using Bark or Wood Chip Mulch for Hedging Trees
Mice like to use this as a nest/home/holiday retreat and they eat the bark (especially Beech). Periodically check for damage below the mulch or bark layer. Alternatively use gravel or plastic sheeting as a method of keeping weeds.
Adding Fragrance and Colour to Your Hedge
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is a very popular addition to any garden due to the strong fragrance, splash of colours and interest it generates from other wildlife. Click the link to find out more.
Plants Suitable for Coastal Planting
Native: Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Sea Buckthorn, Holly, Juniper, Rowan, Whitebeam, Willow, Field Maple.
Evergreen/Semi-Evergreen: Griselinia, Olearia, Escallonia, Elaeagnus, Berberis, Privet, Cotoneaster.
Ground Cover: Hebe, Gorse, Sea Buckthorn (low form), Tamarisk, Pyracantha.
Factors Detrimental to Cell-Grown/Young Hedging Trees
Too much/little water, animal urine, excessive wind exposure (will slow growth), salt spray, frost on new growth, herbicide drift and over-application of fertiliser.
Hedge Tree Growing in the UK
We have instructed all our hedging trees that no non-UK holidays are allowed so that we can state they are all UK grown.
Planting in the Corner of a Garden
Air and light are reduced in this location which could promote fungal and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over 1000 trees can be discounted by contacting us on 0800 043 1057.
Water Logged Conditions
Willow, Alder, Birch and Poplar may help lower the water level so long as you do not have permanent standing water e.g. your local diving and sailing club meets on your lawn.
