Compare more than the height
Two hedge plants can be the same height and have quite different prices. To compare them properly, check the species, root type, container size and whether the price covers one plant or a pack.
Keep those details beside your planting plan, along with the minimum order and availability. A photograph is useful for seeing the foliage and overall habit; the written size and pot information tell you what you are buying.
What the supplied height tells you
A size such as 40-60cm is the height range for that option when supplied. It is a starting size for the hedge, which will need room to grow in height and width. Plants vary naturally within a range, and their appearance changes with the season and recent trimming.
If you need to screen a particular view straight away, ask about spread and branching as well as height. Check how the height is measured too, especially when comparing different shops. Pot depth should not be added to a stated plant height.
What P9 and litre sizes tell you
P9 commonly describes a pot approximately 9cm across. A 2 litre or 5 litre description refers to the nominal volume of the container, not the height of the plant. These measurements use different systems, so P9 does not mean nine litres.
A larger container usually gives the roots more growing space before planting, but pot size is not a direct measurement of age, branch density or future performance. Different species reach different heights in the same nominal container. Use the specific listing to compare like with like.
| Listing detail | What to check |
|---|---|
| 40-60cm | The supplied height range for the selected option |
| P9 or 9cm pot | A small nursery container, not a nine litre pot |
| 2 litre pot | The stated container volume, not a finished hedge height |
| Bare root or rootball | How the root system is supplied |
| Pack of plants | How many plants the pack contains |
Work out how many plants you need
Measure the length you will plant, deducting gates and access points. Treat separate runs individually where the species or spacing changes. Confirm the planting distance for your chosen species and starting size before calculating the order.
For a single row, divide the length in metres by the spacing in metres. A 12 metre run at an agreed 60cm spacing gives 12 ÷ 0.6 = 20 plants. Check the first and last positions on the ground, particularly around corners or curves. Double rows need a separate layout and quantity calculation.
Price per plant, packs and minimum orders
A plant priced at £2.50 with a minimum order of ten has a plant subtotal of £25 at that minimum. Delivery and any other basket charges are separate. Comparing the total for your required quantity will give you a clearer picture than comparing the lowest individual prices.
For packs, calculate how many packs will cover the required plant count. For example, an order for two packs contains twice the number shown in the pack description. Check the basket quantity and total before checkout, especially if you are ordering more than one size of the same plant.
Choosing a size for your budget
Smaller potted plants are often a practical choice for a long boundary when you can wait for them to grow together. Taller plants provide more height at the start, although branching and spacing will affect the amount of cover. Both need watering and training as they establish.
Include soil preparation, water access, mulch and future trimming in the project budget. If planting the whole run would leave too little for aftercare, consider completing it in stages. A shorter section that is well looked after is a better starting point than a full boundary you cannot keep watered.
Compare all hedge plants Plan your root type See how to plant your hedge
Common questions
Does a bigger pot guarantee a bushier plant?
No. Container size is useful buying information, but branching also depends on the species and how the plant has been grown and pruned.
Can I mix heights along one hedge?
You can, but the first years may look uneven and need a considered training plan. For a uniform new run, compare plants of the same species and supplied specification.
How many plants do I need per metre?
That depends on the species, root type, starting size and intended hedge. Confirm the spacing first, then calculate the quantity from the measured length.
