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Back to Key. Next (A).. (B).. (C).. (D-F).. (G-I).. (L-O).. (P).. (Q-R).. (S).. (T-Z).

Checklist of plants suitable for hedging and windbreaks: L - O

Botanical name Common name Deciduous/ Evergreen Height Growth rate Hardiness Wind Notes
Laurus nobilis Bay tree E M S 8   Well drained fertile soil in full sun. Flavouring.
Lavandula angustifolia Lavender E S M 5 M Light dry warm soil, sunny position. Flavouring. Insect repellent, essential oil, medicinal.
Lavandula latifolia Lavender E S M 7 M As above.
Leptospermum laevigatum   E M-T M 9 M Most soils. Sand binder.
Leptospermum scoparium Tea tree E M-T M 8 W Most soils. Tea, green dye, insect repellent.
Ligustrum delavayanum   E M-T M 7   Most soils, sun or shade.
Ligustrum lucidum Chinese privet E M-T M 7   Most soils, tolerates shade and drought. Medicinal.
Ligustrum ovalifolium Privet E M-T M 5 M Most soils, sun or shade.
Ligustrum vulgare Privet D M M 4 M Most soils, tolerates drought and shade. Basketry, ink dyes, medicinal.
Lonicera nitida   E S-M M-F 7   Most soils.
Luma apiculata Temu E M-T S-M 8 W Most well drained soils.Edible fruit.
Lycium barbarum Boxthorn E M S-M 6 M Sunny position,well drained soil.Edible fruit and shoots.Medicinal.
Lycium chinense Boxthorn E M S-M 6 M As above.
Maclura pomifera Osage orange D M-T M 5 W Most soils,sunny position.Food preservative,insect repellent,tannin,yellow dye.
Mahonia aquifolium Oregon grape E S-M M 5   Most soils,sun or heavy shade.Edible fruit,dyes,medicinal.
Mahonia trifoliolata   E M S-M 7   Most soils preferably hot and dry.Edible fruit.Dyes,ink,tannin.
Metasequoia glyptostroboides   D T M-F 6   Most soils but slow in dry sandy soils or shallow chalk.Soil stabilization.
Miscanthus sacchariflorus   Grass M-T M-F 8 M Most soils,not dry.Dies down in winter.
Muehlenbeckia complexa Maidenhair vine D M-T M 8 M Well drained soil in sun or semi-shade.Dioecious.Edible fruit.
Myrtus communis Myrtle E M-T S-M 8 W Most well drained soils.Flavouring.Essential oil,medicinal.
Olearia spp. Daisy bush E M-T M 8 M Most soils. Many species incl;-O.aviceniifolia, O.x.haastii, O.illicifolia, O.macrodonta, O.solandri, O.traversii and O.virgata.
Orixa japonica   D M M 6 W Any soil,sun or shade.Edible young leaves-spicy.
Osmanthus x burkwoodii   E M-T S 6   Most soils esp chalk.Other species include:-O.decorus,O.delavayi and

 

D = Deciduous E = Evergreen

Height:- S = Small (to 4ft for hedges, 20ft for trees.) M = Medium (to 6ft for hedges, 50ft for trees.) T = Tall (over 6ft for hedges, over 50ft for trees.)

Rate of Growth:- S = Slow M = Medium F = Fast

Wind Resistance:- W = tolerates Windy sites M = tolerates Maritime exposure

Hardiness zones 1(hardiest) to 10:- most of Britain is in zone 7 or 8 with some upland and northern areas being colder whilst western and southern coastal areas are milder.

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