FIVE HEDGE HEROES

1 FAGUS SYLVATICA ‘ PURPUREA’

Copper beech makes a dense formal hedge and, unlike most deciduous plants, leaves are held well into late winter.

2 GRISELINIA LITTORALIS ‘ VARIEGATA’

Great in coastal locations, this evergreen has glossy, green oval foliage that’s splashed with cream markings.

3 LIGUSTRUM OVALIFOLIUM ‘AUREUM’

A semi-evergreen shrub ideal for brightening up light shade, thanks to its yellow and green variegated leaves.

4 VIBURNUM TINUS

This evergreen, above, makes a fine informal hedge due to its glossy green leaves, scented white flowers and bluish-black berries.

5 THUJA PLICATA

A great alternative to leylandii, this conifer has green, aromatic leaves on reddish stems and grows up to 24in a year.