When we think of menage certificate systems , we normally picture burglar alarms , 24 - minute surveillance cameras and motion sensing light . But long before the days of electronic security systems , plants and shrubbery were strategically plant and used as deterrents – to great effect !
An effective barrier against intruders , a barbellate plant , bush or shrub will make it much hard for an intruder to get in undetected . They ’re a fraction of the toll of a state - of - the - art certificate arrangement , and you ’ll have a beautiful garden to show for it !
While shrubs and hedging often have spiky foliage that will add an supernumerary level of security to the perimeter of your garden , shrewd succulents and houseplants can be placed on windowsill to make sneak through a window that much hard .
Thinking of adding some thorny works to your home or garden ? Take a look at the good 25 spiky flora , hedges and bushes for added habitation security .
1. Agave
aboriginal to Northern Mexico , Agave is a spiky succulent works , with the Blue variety best known for being the chief ingredient in , you guessed it , tequila ! But the magnetic variation we ’re interested in is the Agave Americana , which can be grown in the UK .
This succulent can grow up to 2 grand high with a 3 m spread out . The leave are stiff and dangerously pointed , so should give an intruder who do contact with them a sharp cushion !
Agave plants prefer a full sun position and well - drained soil . Provided they are protected from extravagant rainfall in the winter , they should be able-bodied to make out with cold and frost . Many hoi polloi choose to produce agave in their container garden , act them inside in late summer .
2. Hawthorn
Known for its pretty pale - pink flower and discriminating irritant , Hawthorn makes an attractive perimeter hedgerow . This hedgerow is the epitome of ‘ look but do n’t touch ’ . The thorns are seriously precipitous and up to 3 atomic number 96 long . Hawthorn is a great interloper baulk , but the pretty blossoms ensure there ’s no compromises to be made when it comes to appearance !
Hawthorn is fast growing – up to 60 centimeter a twelvemonth . It grow well in any soil type .
3. Firethorn
Firethorn or Pyracantha is a problematic , evergreen plant shrub from the Rose category . This shrub is often mistaken for thorn , but the two are actually trenchant .
Firethorn can be grown as a freestanding shrub or civilize to grow against an existing garden bulwark . In the spring , it ’ll bring out beautiful white blossom , while you ’ll also see bright ruddy berries in the summertime months .
This bush is a terrific lifelike roadblock . If you ’ve ever been pricked by one of these prickle , you ’ll understand why !
4. Holly
This thick , evergreen hedge does n’t need much instauration . Native to the UK and Europe , Holly bushes are known for their attractive , evergreen leaf and shining but seriously spiky leaves .
The holly flora supply a great nesting website for a variety of wildlife , as the spiky leaves can discourage predators , as well as human intruders !
5. Red Barberry
Barberry is a great choice if you ’re after a deterrent against interloper that doubles up as a privacy blind . It has acute thorn that keen intruders at alcove , and strike purple leaves .
Its low upkeep requirement means this is a great choice for most garden . It requires well drained dirt and a blot in full sunlight to fond shade . In the spring , Red Barberry raise pretty sensationalistic flowers that should attract pollinator to your garden .
6. Blackthorn
This tight - growing plant can increase in sizing by up to 60 cm a class ! It ’s know for its aristocratical sloe , white spring flowers and barbed stems that you really do n’t want to get near to !
Ideal as an trespasser hinderance or just a pretty hedge , Blackthorn is happy in most soil other than very waterlogged dirt . Once settled , it require almost no concern , although it should be write out back in the winter calendar month .
7. Rose Bushes
Not only do rose George Bush calculate beautiful , they can also keep intruders at true laurel ! Getting sting by one rose thorn is unpleasant enough , let alone landing in an entire bush !
There ’s not many interloper who will voluntarily climb over a rose bush to get into someone ’s garden . They are sharp and dull , with little gaps between the thorn .
If you ’re worried about someone climbing over your fencing , plant climbing roses for an extra bed of security .
8. Mahonia
This winter - flowering , evergreen bush is usually planted on garden perimeters . The spiky thorn make it a bang-up handicap against intruders .
With smart yellow flowers that bloom in the winter , this bush can be used to add some colour to your garden when the eternal sleep of it has pass away back . It looks groovy in borders mixed with other evergreen shrubs , and is tolerant of most condition .
9. Gorse
Common gorse is a enceinte , evergreen bush pass over in phonograph needle - comparable leaves and coconut scented icteric flowers . It ’s found in westerly field of the UK .
With thorny leave and a robust ontogeny character , this bush is perfect for expose areas . Having said that , it spread out apace and can become invasive , so noesis of gorse control is required .
10. Berberis
The unique appearance of Berberis makes it a great choice for those who want to add something a short unlike to their garden . The thorny arm will deter intruders , while the blood-red - purple foliage turn a ardent orange in the wintertime !
Berberis arise quickly – around 60 cm a year .
11. Blackberry
Blackberries are one of the few fruit that do well spring up in shady conditions . For this reason , blackberry bushes are a great choice for North front gardens or those that do n’t get a lot of sun .
Blackberry bushes make a great balk against interloper thanks to their thorns , while the delicious fruit can be used to make crumbles and jams . It ’s important to keep in judgment that a single industrial plant can propagate 4 m or more when fully arise .
12. Euphorbia
A succulent aboriginal to West Africa , the Euphorbia is well know for its thick stems and spikelet . It ’s often used as a houseplant , and should give rise tiny flower throughout the year .
If you ’re after a small spiky works to protrude on your windowsill , this is a great choice . While it may not have the same impact as a thorny hedge outside , it ’ll make it harder for an intruder to get in and out of your windowpane quietly .
13. Giant Rhubarb
This rich perennial has been listed by the Metropolitan Police as one of the best plants for protecting your property from intruders – so it ’s well deserving of its spot on this list !
Giant pieplant is aboriginal to South America and can maturate up to 2 m high . The leathery leaves have sharp spikes on the back and along the stems – thorny enough to send off any burglar running !
14. Prickly Pear
With a name like ‘ Prickly Pear ’ , it ’s no surprise this cactus has made our lean ! The Prickly Pear cactus has stem which resemble a pair of ( albeit very spiky ) cony ’s ears ! This cactus like to be grown in a affectionate , bright spot and it need to be kept above 10 ° C in the wintertime .
Although it wo n’t live a winter hoarfrost , this cactus can be motivate outside in the warmer weather to protect vulnerable corners of your garden or opening in your fencing .
15. Golden Barrel Cactus
Another cactus that makes the inclination is the Golden Barrel cactus
This slow - growing cactus has barrel - shaped stems and can live up to 30 years . It needs to be grown inside so wo n’t protect the exterior of your garden , but placing this pumpkin - form cactus on your windowsill will give anyone who dares to enter a spiky shock ! Those ferocious , tiny spikes need to be taken earnestly .
16. California Fuchsia
Looking arresting in almost any garden , courtyard or coastal , conventional or intimate , it ’s well worth append California Fuchsia to your outdoor distance . This semi - evergreen shrub has spiky flower that bloom all springiness and summertime .
It ’s native to dry out clime and need raft of sunlight .
17. Devil’s Walking Stick
Characterised by the sharp thorn found on the leafage stalks , stems and branches , this interestingly - named shrub grows best in full sun or fond shade .
It can stick out a range of dirt and does n’t involve much water supply . Reaching a height of over 30 ft , this shrub does demand a trivial sustentation !
18. Aloe Vera
Everyone ’s pet spiky plant , aloe vera plants are well know for their medicative place . The aloe vera plant has serrated leaves which mean it can be place on a windowsill to give any intruders a barbellate greeting ! Aloe vera plants like a bright , sunny bit .
READ NEXT:17 Plants That Look Like Aloe Vera
19. Chinese Jujube
Native to China , the Chinese Jujube is a tree diagram that can reach out up to 40 animal foot tall . It can be grow anywhere in the UK , and produces small fruits that taste like apples , until they dry out when the taste changes to that of dates !
The rationality Chinese Jujube has made this list is because its leaf have piercing spines at their stem . implant this tree diagram in a recession of your garden can discourage thief from climbing over your fence .
20. Snake Plant
Snake plants are an immensely popular houseplant thanks to their easiness of tending . Aptly otherwise have intercourse as Mother - in - law ’s Tongue , Snake plant have ultra - acute points at the tips of their leaves .
These low alimony houseplants are perfect for entranceway level works proprietor . They are an easy plant to manage for , needing very little urine , average temperature and smart ignitor .
21. Mountain Pine
This hardy little tree has long crisp needle that ’ll add an extra layer of certificate to your garden . It provides twelvemonth - rung people of colour and complex body part to your outdoor space , while bringing some mountainous spell to UK gardens !
A Mountain pine tree grows best in full sun and well drained soil . It can turn up to 4 m magniloquent , and looks stunning when position at the back of borders . The sharp needles stand for no interloper will be able to use it as a airplane propeller to aid them into your garden .
22. Creeping Juniper
This low growing shrub thrives in Britain ’s wet conditions and is one of the hardiest shrubs around . Another listed by the Metropolitan constabulary as a burglar preventing plant , this shrub has thorny stems and foliation . It can spread up to 4 chiliad and needs very little pruning .
23. Smilax Aspera
Smilax Aspera , or bristly ivy , is an evergreen plant climber which can be trained to wax your garden fence . Once established , this climber forms a dense tangle of burry stems and mettle - forge leaves that ’ll make scaling a fence a whole sight more uncomfortable !
This plant prefers to be in full Sunday or partial shade , and does best in well - drain territory .
24. Aralia Elata
A large deciduous bush or small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , Aralia Elata has spiky stems and lilliputian pick flowers . This plant develop to a height of 12 m , and reaches a spread of 8 m. It opt partial tincture and a sheltered place .
The syrupy prickles of the Aralia Elata will furnish your garden with extra security department in the winter month .
25. Dragon Tree
The Dracaena Marginata or ‘ Dragon Tree ’ is an evergreen tree which can be grown indoors in the UK . It ’s known for its distinctive spiky leaves and aura purify abilities , plus it makes an center - catch improver to your home .
When develop indoors , Dragon Trees can grow up to 2 m grandiloquent . While the blade - like farewell are unlikely to deter attached thieves , this imposing houseplant will give any intruder a shock if they bump into it in the darkness !
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