Fruiting Hedges for Low-Maintenance Gardens

The planting plan for my own fruiting hedge (or fedge). I chose species which can also be laid as I'd love to have a go at hedge laying one day!

Why plant a fruiting hedge?

A hedge doesn’t need to be just a green wall. With the right plants, it can provide privacy, shelter, and structure while also feeding you and the local wildlife.

Fruiting hedges (or “fedges”) are low-maintenance systems that combine beauty with productivity. They thrive with little care once established, support pollinators, and give harvests for years to come.

My top plants for a fruiting hedge

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

A classic of hedgerows and gardens alike. The flowers can be turned into cordial, while the berries (once cooked) are rich in flavour for syrups and preserves. Pollinators flock to the flowers, and birds benefit from the berries too.

Crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

Small but mighty. Crab apples are great for jellies and chutneys, and they act as superb pollinators for other apple trees. In spring, their blossom is beautiful and buzzing with bees.

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum)

Easy to grow, tolerant of most soils, and hugely productive. Blackcurrants are perfect for cordials, jams, and freezing — a hedge staple that pays back every year.

Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa)

A spiny, reliable shrub that doubles as a deterrent hedge. Gooseberries are versatile in the kitchen and thrive even in cooler, shaded spots.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Silvery foliage and bright orange berries make this a striking, resilient shrub. The berries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, though you’ll need both male and female plants for fruit. Excellent in coastal or exposed gardens.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)

An underrated small tree/shrub that produces tart red fruits in late summer. Traditionally used for preserves, but also attractive as an ornamental with early yellow flowers.

How to design a fruiting hedge

• Mix species: Combining shrubs and small trees spreads harvests across the seasons.

• Stagger heights: Taller plants like elder at the back, smaller shrubs like currants in front.

• Diversity matters: A mix makes the hedge more resilient to pests, diseases, and climate stress.

• Plant densely: Close spacing ensures quick cover and fewer weeds at the base.

Why a fedge beats a fence

Fences rot, fade, and need replacing. A fedge is alive: it improves soil, provides habitat, and offers edible harvests year after year. It’s the essence of gardening that gives more than it takes.

Next steps

• Want more inspiration? Download the Edimentals free guide to explore more beautiful, edible plants that double as ornamentals.

• Ready to design your own self-sustaining garden? The Self-Sustaining Garden course shows you how to combine productivity, biodiversity, and low maintenance in every part of your garden.