Hedging is an exquisite way of protecting your gardens and properties. These hedging plants actually work as a mechanism to block out unnecessary things. However, they can also do much more for a garden. These plants can lead to structural planting and even create secluded areas in the garden. In addition, hedges can be given all kinds of organic shapes as per your wish.
However, hedging plants are losing their popularity nowadays. This is because most of the homeowners are turning to wooden fences. However, hedges work as an important natural habitat. Furthermore, these hedges provide nesting opportunity for all kinds of wildlife. Also, large hedges are more effective in reducing the strong winds. So there is some maintenance required but hedges outlive the fences a little longer.
How To Find a Hedging Plants That Works Well
Foremost, it is imperative to find hedging plants. This hedge plant should be compatible with your garden style and soil conditions. Though it may seem to be a simple decision but it is a tedious task. First of all, try to narrow your choices. Make a list of possible plants that will grow well in the soil conditions. Also think about the usage of the hedge plant. Consider whether you want the plant to be used as an ornament or for windbreak.
Also look at the level of maintenance required. For example, whether it needs regular clipping or can be left loose? In addition, also think of any other quality which is important for you. These qualities can be leaf colors, autumn colors, or flowers.
Though many people overlook texture but it is also an imperative aspect. Texture can have a huge impact on the complete feel of your garden. Thus, give utmost importance to the texture of plant hedge as well.
Types of Hedges
Hedging can be found in three forms. These are small shrubs, specimen shrubs, and whips. We are listing all of the hedging plants and their
Small Shrubs: These hedges are normally 3 liters in size and below 2 feet in height. These are basically starter plants having a good shape.
Whips: These are small plants that are bare rooted. These are available in winter and autumn. In addition, these offer a cheap way of creating a hedge. However, they take very long time to thicken and to reach their full height.
Specimen Shrubs: These are 3 to 6 feet in height and 5 to 10 liters in their size. They easily make for full height hedges.
Create Conditions Before Planting a Hedge
A little planning can assist you in planting that perfect hedge. Here are some aspects that you can consider before planting a hedge:
- Enhance the soil conditions so that they suit specific hedge plants
- Include companion and shading planting
- Build sheltered areas to overcome the specific wind problems
Also, when you are planting a hedge plant, you should:
- Avoid the conditions when the soil is either frozen or waterlogged
- Always dig the hole which is twice the size of your plant’s root bail.
- Also add Rose, Tree, and Shrub compost. This would help the plant in establishing more strength.
- Take care to fix the plant into the ground. This would make sure that the plant does not break due to wind.
- Always give generous water to your plants in summers.
However, if you do not posses suitable conditions, there are other options also. You can grow these hedging plants in containers. With these you can control the environment more easily. Further, they also help you in saving energy and time.
Taking Care For Your Hedging Plants
Planting is only one part of the business. It is important to take care for them and for the whole garden. No worries, here at Best Hedge Trimmer Reviews, you at the right place. We fully describe all you need to maintain you backyard.
The most popular machines for cutting plants and hedges are the hedge trimmers. Therefore, we list models from all the categories. So, you may read all of our reviews here:
- Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers
- Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
- Telescopic Hedge Trimmers (Long Reach/Pole)
- Best Electric Hedge Trimmers
Depending of your needs, garden type and power supply you may choose the most suitable for you.
If you don’t need a hedge cutter, but need to take care for your lawn:
Types of Hedging Plants
There are different varieties of hedging plants from which you can choose. Here is detailed information about some of these.
Acer Campestre
Acer Campestre is a very fast growing plant that you can grow on its own or as a mixed hedge. The foliage is green in color offering red tinges in spring season.
- Delivery from 01-01 until 31-05
- Delivered as Bare roots
- Delivery height 60 - 80 cm
- Flower Colour white
- Leaf Colour Green
Fagus Sylvatica
Fagus Sylvatica is a British classic hedge plant. The small leaves of this hedge plant are golden green in spring. They turn bright color in summer. In addition, they turn copper color in the later part of the year.
- An ideal choice for all year round colour as beech bears mid green glossy leaves
- Beech is tolerant of most soil types including chalk but dislikes wet soils.
- Popular native hedging plants - easy to grow
- Important: Only available in winter months (November to March)
- Supplied as a BAREROOT shrub
Crataegus monogyna
It is a seasonal all rounder hedge plant having scented white flowers in spring. These flowers turn red in color in autumn season.
Even More Hedging Plants
Alnus glutinosa
This plant works well in a mixed native hedge. These can be an excellent choice for wet swampy soil. In addition, these plants can cope with long period of standing water.
- It usually takes around 1-4 Weeks Time to deliver after Item has been Dispatched. Please Check the Delivery Time Before Making Purchase(s).
- 50 Seeds European Alder Tree Seeds (Alnus glutinosa)
Taxus baccata
Taxus baccata is a classic British native hedge plant. Moreover, it can be easily clipped together for creating a dense background. It takes long time in getting established. However, once they grow, they can be as long as 30-40 cm in a year.
- The English Yew (Taxus baccata) is an award-winning tree, perfect for shaping and containerising
- Needle-like leaves makes it ideal for trimming into a variety of fine topiary shapes
- Topiary makes a permanent feature in your garden all year round
- Provides formal structure within the garden whether planted as a hedge or grown in a beautiful container
- Supplied as a pyramid cone topiary, 70cm (27in) in height (inc pot) in a 26cm (10in) pot
Buxus sempervirens
Buxus Sempervirens is a very popular hedging plant which can be clipped into any kind of shape. You can clip it twice in a year if you are perfectionist. However, you can also keep it loose.
- Box Hedging is one of the most popular evergreen plants for slow growing hedge plants
- Box plants are great for coastal areas
- Plant full sun to partial shade, easy to maintain and give you year round colour
- Supplied 15-25cm tall, Pot Grown, 9cm pots ready to plant any time of the year
Rosa rugosa
Rosa Rugosa is known as a fast growing dense, deciduous, and bushy hedging plant that possesses a good texture and also does not need clipping. It is rich in scent and possesses single flowers.
Phillyrea latifolia
Phillyrea latifolia is another one popular from the hedging plants family. It is a versatile, fine, and evergreen hedging plant that can also be clipped tightly. However, it needs good drainage.
Word of Caution
Though your hedging plants may be thriving beautifully but they can be withered easily. Natural weather conditions can also create hazards for plants. Strong sunlight, diverse temperatures, high winds can affect the plants. All these can negatively affect the hedging plants. These conditions can be evidenced by:
Blackened winds resulting from winds as well as salt burn. These are a very common sight after heavy storms.
Brown colored leaves, especially around the margins and tips. This is followed by shriveling and curling of leaves. These leaves can become crispy as well.
