Easy-to-care-for and visually appealing boundary hedge plants, according to garden specialists, flourish best when left alone.
In the quest for a beautiful and functional garden, hedge plants play a significant role. They serve as a natural border, providing privacy and security, while also adding a touch of greenery and charm. Here are some native and non-native options to consider for your hedge, along with care instructions.
Firstly, let's talk about native plants that are perfect for hedging. Hypericum prolificum and Ilex glabra are two such options. The former, also known as shrubby St John's wort, is a tough, resilient plant, growing up to 4 feet tall and wide. It produces masses of yellow flowers throughout the growing season. Ilex glabra, or inkberry shrub, is a North American species that can be grown as a low-maintenance perimeter plant.
Another native choice is the hawthorn. Hawthorn trees are hardy down to zone 3 and can thrive in a range of soil and lighting situations. They are known for their spring blooms, dense green cover for much of the year, and often house nesting birds. Hawthorn hedges can be relied on to bloom brilliantly in spring with delicate white flowers, before going on to produce red berries from September onwards.
If you're considering non-native options, the garden architect has cultivated five types of low-maintenance and high-yield hedge plants during his career. These include Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), Boxwood (Buxus), and Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus).
For those seeking flowering hedge plants, Rosa rugosa, or beach rose, is a popular choice. Native to Asia, this hardy plant can be grown down to zone 3 and thrives in various conditions, including salt air, sandy soil, and part-shade. It is known for its pink blooms and hardiness, and it is one of the best roses for rosehips in fall and winter.
Firethorn shrubs, such as the Pyracantha species, are hardy down to zone 6 and require minimal care. They provide evergreen cover and produce vibrant berries during fall. However, it's important to note that the Pyracantha species can be problematic in certain states, such as Texas, where the scarlet firethorn is considered an invasive plant.
When it comes to pruning, it's essential to protect yourself. When pruning hawthorn, it is recommended to use thornproof gardening gloves. Similarly, all parts of yew are poisonous, so it is best to wear gloves when handling. Yews respond well to pruning and can be shaped to create a neat, straight hedge or a more organic, wave-like shape.
Lastly, many hedge plants thrive on neglect and require little input from the gardener. Common hawthorn seeds can be ordered via Amazon, and live yew starter plants can be ordered via Walmart. Whether you opt for native or non-native plants, a well-chosen hedge can add beauty and functionality to your garden for years to come.
