Conifer hedges give evergreen screening quickly. Thuja 'Smaragd' stays narrow and emerald for tidy boundaries, while Leyland cypress is the choice for height in a hurry. Free tracked delivery to Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Thuja or Leyland?
| Plant | Character | Plants per metre |
|---|---|---|
| Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' | Naturally narrow, emerald green; neat with little trimming | 2 to 3 |
| Leyland cypress (x Cuprocyparis leylandii) | Dense dark green and very fast; trim twice a year | 1 to 2 |
Before you plant
Leyland cypress grows very tall, so plan the height you can live with and keep it trimmed from the start. Do not cut conifers back into bare brown wood, as they rarely regrow from it. Plant in autumn or spring in well-drained soil. The plants are young, 9cm-pot plants at 20 to 40cm. Every pack is young plants in pots, shipped directly from our partner growers, so allow a few seasons for a hedge to knit together and water through the first two summers.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a small garden?
Thuja 'Smaragd', which stays narrow. Leyland cypress needs room and regular trimming.
How many plants per metre?
About 2 to 3 Thuja or 1 to 2 Leyland cypress in a single row.
Can I cut a conifer hedge back hard?
No. Conifers rarely regrow from bare wood, so trim lightly and often from the start.
Are these full-size plants?
No. They are young plants in 9cm pots between 20 and 40cm tall.
Planning the whole boundary? Read the guide to choosing, spacing and planting a hedge, or browse all hedge plants, screening plants and bulk hedging and box alternatives.