Slender, tightly wrapped, cigar-like buds casually discard their flaky, papery sheaths to reveal emerging tender, silken leaves, which initially unfurl a pinkish purple before slowly starting to age and darken. Soft, hair like protrusions line the outermost edges of the leaves, and in time these hedging plants are smothered in gorgeous plum-toned foliage which later turns bronze and is often retained through the winter giving the plant a semi-evergreen appeal. These majestic plants are perfect for creating colourful, formal screens and boundaries, but if left un-clipped, they'll grow to make tall, spreading trees.

To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here