Shrubs and Plants

by Linda Harris

One method of crime prevention that is often overlooked is the use of prickly stemmed or leafed shrubs. These shrubs planted as a hedge around a property or against a wall can be a very effective deterrent against intruders.

Holly (lbix) is best planted against a fence, it is both dense and very prickly and there are many varieties available.

The aptly named ' Hedgehog' Holly is perhaps the most prickly. It is also a very handsome plant with its purple stems and dark green leaves edged with cream and covered with dense clusters of very sharp prickles. It is a slow growing plant reaching approx. 15 ft

Hawthorn is a quick growing shrub and is very useful for hedging. It has attractive berries but it does drop its leaves in winter however the prickles remain on the stems. Plant bare rooted Hawthorn by end of April.

If you are looking for a prickly leafed plant with showy flowers Mahonia is a good one to try. It is evergreen, grows quickly up to 6ft with masses of fragrant flowers in winter and does well in sun or light shade.

The evergreen Pyracanthus are probably the best prickly shrub to use for hedging or training up a wall as they can be clipped easily. They are known for their beautiful coloured berries, and are quick growing reaching 10 - 15 ft and will grow in sun or shade.

Pyracantha Brilliant has masses of bright red berries in winter, Pyracantha Orange Glow has bright orange/red fruits in Autumn and P So d'or has lots of white flowers in summer followed by large clusters of orange fruits in Autumn.

The Berberis group of shrubs all have lethal tiny thorns on their stems and branches but are slower growing reaching 5-6 ft.
For something with rich reddish leaves try Berberis Red Chief which can be trimmed to keep dense. P Stennophylla has dense evergreen arching sprays of yellow flowers during May , and B Julianae has yellow scented flowers in Spring, superb autumn colour and inch long spikes!

With so many plants to choose from hopefully protecting your home will also be a pleasure - remember to wear gloves!