ZZZ DISCONTINUED Coral Pearls Hedging

This neighbour-friendly, evergreen hedge will rapidly attain its maximum height of 9 feet (2.7 metres).

In early summer huge clusters, or corymbs, of pearly white blossom are produced – followed in the autumn by masses of scarlet-orange pearl-sized berries. Foliage is dense in habit and an attractive silver green colour. This really is a welcome alternative to hedging conifers and far more manageable.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Plant 2 feet (60 cm) apart.
• Ultimate height 9 feet (2.7 metres). Can be trimmed to any height above 3 feet (90 cm). Average annual growth rate 1-2 feet (30-60 cm).
• Ultimate width 6 feet (1.8 metres). Can be trimmed to any width over 2 feet (60 cm).
• Ideally grow in an open situation; should you want to plant next to a fence or wall, allow a minimum distance of 2 feet (60 cm).
• Grows well in most soil types (including chalky and clay) except those prone to lying very wet.
• Suitable for most aspects from full sun to dense shade.
• Suitable for coastal areas.
• Performs well in exposed/windy positions.
• We are not aware that this plant is poisonous.
• Has pearly-white blossom followed by scarlet berries.
• Plant autumn/winter/early spring.

Cultivation Guidance

• On Arrival!
• On arrival if roots are dry stand the plants in a bucket of water for no more than half an hour. 
• Ideally they should be planted out as soon as possible; if this is not possible either 'heel' the plants into a shallow trench or alternatively wrap the roots back up in the bark chip and polythene they arrived in and store the plants in a cool frost-free place. Do not keep them in a warm place as they will start to come into growth prematurely. Every few days, check that the roots are moist, and plant out as soon as is practicable.
• Incorporating organic matter such as well-rotted manure (not fresh) or compost into the soil will give your plants the best start. 
• Under no circumstances should you use any stimulants, fertiliser or bonemeal at planting time as such products will 'burn' any new root growth and actually slow your plants' development!
• Water thoroughly if the ground is dry.

• Aftercare
• It is essential to keep your developing hedge free of weeds.
• At the beginning of each spring your plants will benefit from a mulch of well-rotted manure, bark chip or something similar. This will reduce the need for weeding and help with moisture retention. At the same time you can also lightly top-dress along the row with a balanced base fertiliser.
• During extended dry periods ensure your plants are watered thoroughly at least once a week; this is even more critical on lighter soils.
• Once established your hedge can be cut using conventional hedge cutters.
• Pruning is best carried out early in the spring, before flowering, or at midsummer. As with all evergreen subjects, pruning on a damp day is preferable as this will reduce leaf scorch/damage.