Bare root, cell grown, P7, P9, pot grown and root ball - definitionsDifferent species of hedging plants are grown in different ways and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Here's a summary
Bare root
Advantages - this is a very inexpensive growing method (no pots, no compost, no heat) but only suitable for deciduous plants and a limited number of evergreen species (Laurel, Yew, Box, Holly and Privet).
Disadvantages - normally there's a success ratio of about 90%. Obviously this varies a lot depending on how well the plants are planted and how diligent you are at watering - and it also varies a little by species (eg Beech is slightly more difficult to establish than Hawthorn). Taller plants are more difficult to establish than smaller plants. You can substantially improve the success ratio by planting with RootGrow. Bare roots can only be transplanted when they are dormant so the season is short - November to early April or late March.
Our bare root species are listed in the alpha listing of species on the left hand menu and also in the complete list of all bare roots (near the top of the left hand menu).
Cell Grown
Advantages - these small plants have very good root structures and experience no root damage when they are moved from our nurseries to you.
They are relatively inexpensive to grow so the retail price is lower than pot grown plants - but not as inexpensive as bare roots. They can be planted all year round other than in the driest, hottest weather. Because they are so easy to grow, they can double in size (not the slow growing species like Holly or Yew) in the first growing season.
Disadvantages - this growing method is only suitable for small plants so it's not really an option if you're impatient for a tall hedge. Whilst we have quite a wide range of species, not all species are grown as cell grown plants.
Our cell grown species are listed in the alpha listing of species on the left hand menu and also in the complete list of all cell grown plants (near the top of the left hand menu).
P7's and P9's (7 and 9 cm pots)
Advantages - a very high success rate (like cell grown and pot grown), and an inexpensive price.
Disadvantages - we only have a limited range of fairly small plants.
Our P9's are listed in the alpha listing of species on the left hand menu and also in the complete list of all cell grown/P9's (near the top of the left hand menu).
Pot grown
Advantages - there is very little root disturbance when planted out permanently because all the roots are contained within the pot so pot grown plants have the highest "root to shoot" ratio and therefore the highest success rate. Plants are available all year round and in a wide range of sizes. They are bushier than bare root, cell grown plants or plants in P9's.
Disadvantages - It is a more expensive growing method - feeding, weeding, watering, re-potting into bigger pots. They are more expensive to transport because of the weight of the soil.
Root ball
Advantages - these are grown in fields and therefore are cheaper to grow than pot grown plants and the soil in which the plants were grown is preserved on the roots, unlike bare root plants. This is a very popular growing method for large evergreens which would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. They tend to be bushier than most pot grown plants of the same height.
Disadvantages - the roots are cut into a ball when the plants are lifted from the fields, so the "root to shoot" ratio is not as good as pot grown plants and therefore they don't achieve quite the same success ratio - though if they are well planted, with RootGrow, and well watered, they do still give a very good success ratio. Root balls can only be transplanted when they are dormant so the season is short - but a little longer than bare roots (October to April). Planting root balls in March or April will mean that you must water them throughout the summer to achieve a high success rate. Root ball plants are expensive to transport because of the weight of the plants and soil.
Our root balls are listed in the alpha listing of species on the left hand menu and also in the complete list of all root balls (near the top of the left hand menu).
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