Hedges are usually made of shrubs or trees, both coniferous and deciduous. You can also create mixed one- or two-row hedges. The latter consist of an outer row, which may include prickly shrubs, and an inner row of fruit or conifers.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a hedge species? The first thing to think about is whether the hedge will be formed or will grow freely. Then you have to decide on the height of the planned hedge and its functions.Finally, specify the type of soil and the amount of sunshine.
Thuja hedges, popularly known as thuja, can be seen most often in our country. But is it always the best choice? We present species that are perfect for hedges, which are an alternative to thuja.
Single-necked hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)- is a shrub that creates wonderful, decorative hedges. Beautiful, dark green foliage and bright hawthorn berries contrast with each other. The hawthorn fruit, which persists throughout the winter, is a delicacy for many birds. The plant is very hardy and resistant to frost, strong wind and short-term droughts. Depending on the variety, it can reach a height of up to 7 meters. The shrub prefers well-lit positions with heavy, well-drained soil. It grows best in compact and moist soils, not too poor and rich in calcium. It has an exceptional regenerative capacity and is not very sensitive to mechanical damage.The hawthorn is cut very well. It has to be trimmed during or just after flowering. This treatment stimulates strong growth, compaction and reduces the occurrence of diseases.
Evergreen boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)- this evergreen shrub, depending on the variety, grows up to 3 m in height. The boxwood creates a dense green hedge with a regular, geometric shape. Easily rooting, likes warmth and is undemanding. It can grow both in the sun and in the shade. It prefers well-drained soil with an alkaline pH, but it will also cope with worse positions. It requires regular watering and fertilizing. During severe winters and the lack of snow cover, it is worth sheltering the plants against harsh sun and drying, cold wind. We perform forming cutting in spring or summer.
Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis)- this species works well as a hedge, especially the Spartan and Obelisk varieties.They grow rapidly, ultimately reaching 3.0 m in height. Chinese juniper is a hardy, shade-loving species that tolerates frost very well. It feels great on any loose ground. It does not require fertile or moist soils. Chinese juniper is drought-resistant, but requires watering in dry periods, especially in snowless winters. In May and September, the sides should be trimmed, and the tops of the bushes should be cut only when they reach the preferred height. The bushes are propagated by sowing seeds and by cuttings.
Eastern laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)- is a species reaching even 4 m in 10 years. The species is partially evergreen, and during severe frosts some leaves may die and fall off. It creates a dense, compact decorative hedge both due to its dark green, shiny leaves and fluffy, abundant inflorescences. Laurel grows well in shade in fertile, well-drained, slightly moist soil. It is resistant to air pollution, diseases and pests, but it is not resistant to drought.Adult plants are frost-resistant, but young specimens should be protected against the onset of winter. It tolerates pruning well, so you can easily form a hedge in spring or summer. The bushes are propagated by semi-woody cuttings.
Intermediate yew (Taxus media) Hicksii- grows quickly and grows up to 3 m in height. Against the background of the dark green of the needles, from September, red aromas of fruit - a bird's delicacy - stand out. This variety is perfect for hedges - frost-resistant, undemanding, grows well both in the sun and in the shade. It can grow on any but not heavy and wet ground. It does not have high nutritional requirements. In autumn and spring, we apply multi-component mineral fertilizers. It has great regenerative abilities and responds well to pruning. We start pruning in the first year after planting and we do it systematically, cutting the hedge 3-5 cm on each side. Thanks to this, the plants thicken nicely.
Read also:
Quick and hassle-free hedge trimming
Openwork grasses as hedges
