In message
,
bobharvey writes
On 22 Sep, 10:06, bobharvey wrote:
On 21 Sep, 17:40, Darto wrote:

hello all,
sorry to jump in on this thread but my question though hedge related
isn't specifically re this thread. I have recently come across a hedging
described as "Wonder hedge" a Turkestan elm which would be ideal for
quickly filling the wind tunnel of a hole in my current hedge. is there
a catch ? i'm fearing japanes knotweed, himalayan balsam leylandii etc.
or is it not too good to be true. any one had a go wit it
apologies forbutting in
darto x

Interesting. *I've been to the web site, and have the following
thoughts:
1. *I agree with you, importing non-native plants should be done with
caution
2. *If it grows 1.5 metres in the first year, presumably it does the
same every year after that? *You'd have to keep on top of that!

Ah yes.
Just found this on the web site:
http://www.wonderhedge.co.uk/sovenyg.../dscf4269.html

The plant being talked about is Ulmus pumila. The Wikipedia article
isn't very positive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulmus_pumila

It is being marketed as Ulmus pumila celer. As far as I can tell the
varietal name hasn't been formally published, but I presume that this is
a fast growing selection of the species. I'd guess that you'd treat it
like a beech hedge.

If properly trimmed (some) elms do make decent hedges. (I don't know
what species occurs in hedges around here - as a free growing plant
Ulmus glabra is much the commoner, but the form of the leaves changes
when trimmed, and I'm don't know whether the hedge elms are Ulmus glabra
or Ulmus procera.)
--
Stewart Robert Hinsley