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Garden Express :: Hedges
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Hedges |
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Choose the sort of hedge that suits your needs - popular box hedges or other types of smaller, more compact hedges or larger hedges that can be used as screens. Most hedging plants are suitable for a range of climates and are very adaptable to different conditions. Slower growing hedges take longer to achieve a desired size and shape but generally result in a hedge with a more compact and consistent shape that requires less maintenance.
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Growing Hedges and Garden Hedge Care |
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Growing hedges is easy but the secret lies in selecting the hedge variety that suits your situation. If you pick the right variety then hedge care is reduced and it will perform well in your environment.
Planting width: Varies depending on species - refer to individual variety details.
Planting depth: Plant hedge plants in soil at same level as in the pot.
Position: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well drained soil that ensures roots do not become water-logged.
Watering: Regular deep watering in dry spring and
summer conditions is required. Hedging plants like to be well watered, particularly while becoming established. A drip watering line is often a convenient means of watering a garden hedge.
Fertilising: Ensure that the soil is well dug and
prepared with organic matter such as well-rotted animal manure, blood and bone or leaf mould. Mulch well to conserve
water and keep roots cool.
Pruning: Prune regularly to avoid hedge looking bushy and straggly. Shaping and pruning may need to be done several times during the growing period
to keep plants in shape and to train them (if using as topiary.) Any hard pruning
should be done in late winter. Some species are good in tubs, formal and
informal hedges, privacy screens and topiary. For an informal planting or specimen
shrubs, trim lightly once or twice during the growing season to encourage compact
growth.
Tips: When
shaping your hedge, it is important that the finished item has a slight wedge
shape, with the top foliage slightly narrower
than the lower foliage. This will enable all
branches access to light, and will result
in an overall healthier hedge with foliage
all the way down to the ground level.
When buying new hedge plants to create a garden hedge, buy several extras and plant in suitable sized pots so that if one in the hedge doesn't thrive, you can replace it with one of approximately the same size and type.
Some species are known to perform better in different climates and situations eg: Photinia dislikes humidity, Japanese Box tolerates more heat than the other Buxus varieties. Refer to the information in individual garden hedge varieties for suitability to your particular situation.
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