Bulk Hedging Plants — Box Hedge Alternatives
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Looking for a box alternative for a low, clipped evergreen hedge? These bulk packs of Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire', Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) and Lonicera nitida 'Maigrün' give the neat, dense look of Buxus without the Buxus problems. The same collection now carries the classic hedging species as young plants in 9cm pots: cherry laurel, yew, privet, Photinia, Thuja 'Smaragd' and Leyland cypress, in packs of 24 and 40. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries, trade pricing on request.
Box hedge alternatives compared
| Plant | Look | Best for | Plants per metre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire' | Upright, glossy dark green, clips tightly | Formal low hedges and borders, the usual box replacement | 5–7 |
| Ilex crenata 'Jenny', 'Convexa', 'Stokes' | Small, fine, box-like leaves; dense and compact | Low edging, knot gardens and parterres | 5–8 |
| Lonicera nitida 'Maigrün' | Fine bright-green foliage; quick to fill out | Fast low hedges (needs regular clipping) | 3–5 |
| Lavandula 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' | Silver-grey scented foliage, summer flowers | Informal, pollinator-friendly edging in sun | 3–4 |
| Photinia 'Red Robin', 'Little Red Robin', 'Carré Rouge' | Glossy leaves, bright red new growth | Mid-height hedges with colour, 1–2m | 2–3 |
| Cherry laurel 'Rotundifolia', 'Novita', 'Caucasica' | Large glossy evergreen leaves, dense | Classic 1.5–3m hedges and screens, sun or shade | 2–3 |
| Yew (Taxus baccata) | Dark green, fine needles, clips to a wall | Formal hedges and topiary that last for generations | 3 |
| Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium, green and golden) | Small oval leaves, semi-evergreen, fast | Traditional garden boundaries, clipped twice a year | 3–4 |
| Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' | Neat emerald conifer, naturally narrow | Tidy evergreen boundaries with little trimming | 2–3 |
| Leyland cypress | Dense dark green conifer, very fast | Quick tall screens and windbreaks; trim twice a year | 1–2 |
| Elaeagnus 'Compacta' | Glossy leaves, silver beneath, scented autumn flowers | Windy and coastal hedges | 2–3 |
| Fargesia clumping bamboo | Tall, arching evergreen canes | Fast non-invasive privacy screens | 1–2 |
Spacings are rough guides for young plants in 7–9cm pots, planted in a single row; closer spacing closes a hedge sooner. For planting windows, aftercare and Irish hedge-cutting rules, read the guide to choosing, spacing and planting a hedge.
Box moth and box blight: what we know
In Europe the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) has so far only been recorded on box (Buxus). Euonymus, Ilex and the other plants in this collection are not a known target of the moth in Europe, and none of them is susceptible to box blight, a fungal disease that affects Buxus and a few close relatives. No plant is guaranteed free of every pest or disease, but switching from box removes the two problems that most often end box hedges.
Which hedge for which job?
- Replacing a low box edge: Euonymus 'Green Spire' or Ilex crenata, 5–7 per metre.
- A quick, cheap low hedge: Lonicera nitida, clipped two or three times a year.
- A 1–2m hedge with colour: Photinia 'Red Robin' or 'Carré Rouge'.
- A classic boundary hedge: cherry laurel for speed and shade tolerance, yew for a formal hedge that lasts, privet for a traditional clipped look.
- A conifer screen: Thuja 'Smaragd' where you want neatness, Leyland cypress where you want height fast.
- Wind and salt: Elaeagnus 'Compacta' or Euonymus 'Green Spire'; see coastal garden plants.
Frequently asked questions
How many plants do I need per metre?
For a low clipped hedge from 10–25cm plants, plan on 5–7 Euonymus, 7–8 Ilex crenata 'Jenny' or 3–5 Lonicera per metre in a single row. Larger shrubs such as cherry laurel, Photinia and Elaeagnus need 2–3 per metre, yew about 3, privet 3–4, Thuja 2–3 and Leyland cypress 1–2. Multiply the length of the hedge in metres by the number per metre.
Can I order in bulk for a project?
Yes. Choose a pack size above, or email info@plantgift.ie with your plant list for trade pricing on request. See how bulk orders work. Larger orders ship by tracked courier in large plant boxes.
Which is best, Euonymus or Ilex?
Both clip well. Euonymus is more upright and fills out quickly; Ilex has finer, smaller leaves that look closest to box. Our box alternatives comparison covers the differences in detail.
Are these full-size hedge plants?
No. Every pack is young plants in 7–9cm pots, between 10 and 45cm tall depending on the species. They are the economical way to plant a long hedge and will need two or three seasons to knit together, with watering through the first two summers.
Planning a longer hedge? Browse all hedge plants, screening plants or bulk and trade plant packs.
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