Living Walls™ are permanent landscape hedges that are expected to maintain dense foliage and produce regular, even growth.
Unlike plants growing in a natural forest environment, a maintained hedge does not have the same nutrient cycle. It is regularly trimmed, clippings are usually removed, and fallen material may be cleared away rather than left to break down.
Regular feeding helps replace those nutrients and maintain the health, density and appearance of your hedge.
We recommend a complete granular NPK fertiliser, such as Nitrophoska®, Nitro Blue or Triabon®. These products provide known amounts of the principal nutrients plants need.
NPK refers to the three main nutrients shown on a complete fertiliser label:
A balanced fertiliser does not necessarily contain equal amounts of all three. It means the product supplies a suitable range of nutrients rather than relying heavily on only one.
Products described as plant foods, tonics or soil conditioners do not all perform the same job.
Complete NPK fertiliser provides the principal nutrients needed for ongoing plant growth. Its nutrient content is stated on the packaging, making feeding more reliable and repeatable.
Sheep pellets, manure and compost contribute organic matter and some nutrients, but their nutrient content and rate of release vary. They should not be relied on as the principal food source for a permanent landscape hedge.
Seaweed products and plant tonics may provide trace elements or other supplementary benefits, but many contain little meaningful NPK. They complement rather than replace complete fertiliser.
Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect the soil. As it breaks down, it contributes organic matter, but it is not a complete fertiliser.
An organic product can be a complete fertiliser if it has a stated NPK analysis. If using one, choose a product labelled for trees and shrubs rather than assuming that any organic product will provide equivalent nutrition.
As a general guide, feed in early spring and again in mid-summer while the hedge is actively growing.
Apply approximately 50–100 g per metre of hedge, unless the product directions specify otherwise. Spread it evenly over the root zone, keep it away from trunks and foliage, then water it in thoroughly.
Once an in-ground hedge is fully established and has reached the size you want, feeding can generally be reduced to once a year in early spring.
Hedges growing in enclosed containers or planter boxes have access to a limited volume of growing mix and will usually continue to benefit from feeding twice a year.
More fertiliser does not necessarily produce a healthier hedge. Overfeeding can encourage soft growth, damage roots and allow unused nutrients to move beyond the root zone.
Measure each application, follow the product directions and water thoroughly after feeding.
For complete watering, mulching, trimming and weed-control instructions, see our Care & Maintenance Guide.
