Neglected hedge plants that flourish: Gardening specialists recommend these simple, attractive boundary shrubs that prefer to be left alone
In the quest for a beautiful and easy-to-maintain garden, low-maintenance hedge plants are a gardener's best friend. Here are some hardy and underrated options that can transform your yard while requiring minimal attention.
The Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), specifically the common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), is a versatile choice. Hardy down to US hardiness zone 3, this shrub blooms with white flowers in spring and produces red berries from September onwards. Although it can thrive in a range of soil and lighting situations, it may become leggy in shady yards. Remember to wear thornproof gardening gloves when pruning hawthorn due to its unforgiving thorns, and prune during the dormant season for optimal growth.
Another evergreen shrub worth considering is the Yew (Taxus spp.), hardy down to US hardiness zone 4. Known for its neat, dark green foliage, yew responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a neat, straight hedge or a wave-like organic shape. It is one of the easiest evergreen shrubs to use as a hedge plant and doesn't require watering or feeding. All parts of yew are poisonous, so it is best to wear gloves when handling.
The Pyracantha, or firethorn, is an underrated hedge plant that provides evergreen cover and produces vibrant berries during fall. Despite being hardy down to zone 6, firethorn species can be vigorous and have thorns and spines, which can be problematic in certain states. The Pyracantha coccinea, or the scarlet firethorn, is considered an invasive plant in Texas.
For a low-maintenance perimeter plant, the Ilex glabra, or inkberry shrub, is a North American species that fits the bill. This shrub produces dark blue berries in autumn and can be grown as a hedge or specimen plant. Live inkberry shrubs can be ordered via Amazon.
The Shrubby St John's wort (Hypericum prolificum) is another tough, resilient plant ideal for a low hedge at the front of any yard. This compact shrub doesn't grow taller than four feet tall and wide, and produces masses of yellow flowers throughout the growing season.
Last but not least, the Rosa rugosa, or beach rose, is a dense and bushy hedge plant with pink blooms, native to Asia. Hardy down to zone 3, beach rose can be grown in most conditions, including salt air, sandy soil, and part-shade. Rosa rugosa starter plants can be ordered now via Amazon.
These low-maintenance hedge plants are perfect for creating a beautiful, easy-to-maintain garden that thrives on neglect. Whether you're looking for evergreen cover, vibrant berries, or a touch of colour, there's a hedge plant here to suit your needs.
