Alder Buckthorn Bare Root 60-80cm Frangula alnus Hedging

Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) supplied as 60-80cm bare root plants is suitable for hedging, wildlife habitat, and natural pigment making. Supplied during dormancy (Nov to April only).

Key Features

• Height at delivery: 60-80cm (bare root)
• Mature height: 3-6m; growth rate 20-40cm/year
• Grow in chalky, wet, or coastal soils; tolerates wind
• Deciduous; smooth maroon stems, thornless
• Berries are a resource for birds and pigment/dye creation

Wildlife & Pollinator Attractant

Birds feed on the berries and the flowers support pollinators. Alder buckthorn improves local biodiversity when used in native hedging.

Planting & Usage

• Plant in full sun or partial shade
• Water initially after planting; prefers moist conditions
• Suitable as a natural dye source at home

FAQ

• Is alder buckthorn good for hedging? Yes, it's ideal for wildlife-friendly garden hedges due to dense growth and habitat value.
• How does Alder Buckthorn benefit wildlife? Its berries feed birds; flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Are the berries safe for birds? Yes, native birds eat the dark berries in autumn and winter.
• Best growing conditions? Grows in a range of soils, especially moist or wet ground; tolerates exposed sites.
• Can it be used for dye making? Yes, its berries produce natural dyes and pigments at home.

Planting and care

This is a bare-root plant, supplied dormant between November and March. Plant within a few days of arrival for best results, keeping the roots moist and out of direct sun until they go in the ground. Standard spacing is 3 plants per metre, or 5 per metre for a denser, faster screen.

Read our complete bare-root hedging buyer's guide for full instructions on when to plant, how to handle the plants on arrival, planting depth, spacing for different uses, and what to expect in the first season.