Garden Hedges – How To Choose The Right Plant

A neatly sheared hedge is an architectural feature in the garden, answering to both functional and aesthetic demands. It is neither appropriate to every situation, nor is it to everyone's taste. However, if the idea of growing a group of bushes as a trimmed hedge has been decided upon as the design solution in a certain circumstance, then it should be clear, which type of plant is suitable for the purpose, and after that has been determined, which particular species possesses the necessary characteristics. The plant type most adaptable to being sheared as a hedge is one that contains the following growth habits:

• If the hedge has screening functions, then obviously it ought to be evergreen.
• It must be reasonably easy to maintain the hedge within desired dimensions. If the width available for instance, is I meter, then there is no point in choosing a species which does not respond well to being thus contained.
• Shrubs should have small leaves and what is known as fine leaf texture, because those that do take to shearing better than course and large leaved plants. The latter tend to look worn and ragged after the hedge trimmer has been at them. Similarly, it is desirable that the species have dense and compact foliage.
• The Plants' foliage should be green and not purple or variegated. Darker shades of green are preferable to light shade, because they serve as a better backdrop to some focal point, such as a flower bed, water feature, or a sculpture. The color should be even, and therefore it is best that the hedge is composed of one species only. If some variety is desired, like including a silver leaved plant in the group, then it would be preferable to grow the bushes as a loose screen and not as a trimmed hedge.
• The preference for fast growing species over slower ones is not clear cut. If rapid screening is required, then again, a loose screen of bushes may be more appropriate, providing there is enough width for them to grow. While it may be tempting to choose fast growing species, it should be noted that they are often more difficult to maintain successfully, requiring much more frequent trimming and shearing. An easy to maintain hedge which has taken 3 or 4 years to grow, may well be preferred to a rapid, rampant grower.

 As to the species to choose from, my recommendations are based on over 20 years experience gardening in central Israel. I'm sure many of the plants will be familiar to people living in hot, dry climates.

 Carissa macrocarpa: Natal Plum is a rather slow growing plant, but an excellent hedging bush. It has medium-green leaves, and interesting leaf texture, which is somewhat lost by overly heavy shearing.

 Ligustrum japonicum: The privet is a mainstay of European gardens, but while thought of by some as "boring", it is almost perfect as a background plant. It may drop its leaves briefly if the temperatures drop below 5c or so.

 Myrtus communis: Myrtle is also slow growing, but rewards the patient, by behaving like an ideal husband; being reliable, solid, and easily kept under control!

Podocarpus macrophllus: The Fern Pine is a great choice for narrow spaces, as it can be kept to a width of about 75-80cm.

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi.
I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984.
I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners.
I also teach horticulture to students on training courses.
I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you.
So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com