Common Alder Bare Root Hedging 60-80cm for Wet Soil

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bare root hedging, supplied at 60-80cm, offers rapid growth in wet or boggy areas where many hedge species struggle. Its annual growth rate of 40-60cm and tolerance for waterlogged soils make it ideal for riversides, erosion control, and native wildlife support.

Key Specifications

• Plant type: Bare root native hedge
• Supplied height: 60-80cm
• Annual growth: 40–60cm/year; mature height up to 20m
• Soil: Thrives in wet, boggy, or waterlogged sites
• Wildlife support: Catkins, leaves attract Siskins and pollinators
• Shade: Grows well in full sun or partial shade
• Use-cases: Riverbanks, boundaries, soil erosion control

FAQs

• Is alder good for boggy ground? Yes, Alnus glutinosa is specifically suited to wet and waterlogged conditions.
• How does alder compare to willow for riverside planting? Alder forms a denser hedge, establishing quickly and helping to stabilize banks, while willow grows faster but may require more maintenance.
• Can I plant alder in partial shade? Common alder tolerates both partial shade and full sun, maintaining healthy growth in both conditions.
• How high will my alder hedge grow per year? Expect 40–60cm annual height increase under average conditions.
• Does it support wildlife? Yes, the species is valued for attracting birds and beneficial insects.

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.