
Rhamnus cathartica

Also known as Purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), this is a much underused hedge plant, as it is very tough and easy to grow on most soils. It grows as a dense hedge, with some thorns, and produces small yellow-green flowers in spring followed by small dark purple berries in autumn.
Both forms of buckthorn are invaluable food sources for the brimstone butterfly Gonepteryx rhamni, so buckthorn makes a superb addition to any wildlife friendly mixed hedge.
Not stock-friendly, as the leaves and the berries are mildly poisonous, but the birds seem to love the berries and suffer no ill-effects!
For most garden hedges, plant in a single row, spacing plants every 30cm.
Plant sizes:
We pride ourselves on the quality of our hedging plants. As well as the height of the plants, we also specify the age of the plant - all are generally either two years old (1/1) or even three years old (1/2). This means they have a sturdy, extensive root system and strong stems, ready for the perfect start to your garden hedge. You may be able to buy cheaper, but we don’t think you can buy better.