Hedge (146 Photos): Fast-growing Perennial Evergreens, Brilliant Cotoneaster

2023 Author: Diana Owen | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 21:35

The hedge has become a worthy alternative to metal and concrete fences. Green fences in landscape design perfectly cope with their function, and also act as a decorative component.

Features of the

The hedge was first used by the French, who experimented with decor in their gardens about 300 years ago. Vegetation was used as a decorative element and helped to protect the area from the wind. In order for the shrubs to retain their attractiveness, they are constantly looked after and monitored. This tradition has survived to this day.

Features of the green hedge:

hedges are shrubs or trees planted in one or two strips. Some components try to plant closer to form an impenetrable green fence;
the height of such plantings can be of different sizes. There are low hedges, the height of which does not reach 100 cm. If the decorative fence exceeds the 150 cm mark, it belongs to the medium category. Vegetation more than 2 meters high is considered to be tall;
the growth rate of vegetation is a personal choice of the gardener. Shrubs and trees that grow slowly will need less trimming. Fast growing vegetation increases the choice of decoration. The artificial hedge combines fruit and flowering crops that grow in free form without pruning. This rule is valid to preserve yield and visual appeal;

when choosing the type of your future hedge, rely on the required result. As a rule, a perennial wall consists of shrubs of the same type with the most beautiful representatives. If you could not decide on the type of plant, try creating a combined fence;
to create a mixed fence, you will need to draw up a preliminary plan;
by combining plants, try to create a feeling of their massive and uncontrolled growth in the territory;
many people like the evergreen hedge, which retains its aesthetic properties during the winter season. The creation of such a fence is made from decorative coniferous shrubs.

8 pictures

Advantages and disadvantages

A hedge is a planting of trees or shrubs in a single line. Such a plantation is capable of performing a protective and decorative function. This type of fencing has advantages and disadvantages that every gardener should be familiar with.

Advantages of a live fencing:

a hedge of vegetation looks attractive;
such a decision has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system;
a green hedge creates an individual environment full of harmony;
an increase in the level of oxygen in the territory along with its enrichment with essential oils;

you can easily change the look of your garden. For this you need special scissors;
green spaces are able to protect your site from dust, wind streams. Such a wall acts as sound insulation;
trees are among the best solutions due to which birds will fly to your site, destroying garden pests;
such a fence is created for a long time;
you will not need money for repair work;
a high hedge creates a shade next to which you can equip a recreation area or other functional areas.

Despite its many advantages, living fence has disadvantages:

for the planted shrubs to begin to perform the functions assigned to them, it will take several years until they acquire the required size;
shrubs need to be cut regularly;
if several trees die, you will not be able to quickly fix the problems that have arisen.

You can choose from different types of hedges. The width of the planting depends on your wishes and the area of the site.

Only one row of shrubs can be planted, which will create a dense wall. From two rows, you can create various living fences, the type of which will depend on the characteristics of your site.

8 pictures

Site zoning

A living wall can be located not only along the perimeter of the site. You can choose bushes of different plants for zoning the space into functional zones. Planning the area with vegetation helps to make the setting look spectacular and inviting. This zoning has an important practical purpose.

Solid wood wall around the play area able to provide protection from the sun's rays, and also guarantees a quiet pastime for adults. Small children will not be able to climb over dense plantings and get lost on the site. Among the attractive shrubs, babies will feel safe and secure.

When choosing plants for the children's area, you should avoid thorny shrubs, as well as representatives with inedible fruits.

The height of the hedge will depend on the area of the children's area, the age category of children and the taste preferences of adults. Many people give preference to sod, as these are frost-resistant bushes that take root perfectly on the plots and are unpretentious in care.

Many people choose sea buckthorn bushes for zoning. These shrubs look attractive and delight the eye with their decorative properties. For the recreation area, you should choose picturesque shrubs that are distinguished by lush flowering and pleasant aromas.

7 pictures

Height

The planting can have different heights. You should decide in advance how you see your green fence in order to make the choice of the necessary varieties.

8 pictures

Low

Small hedges are suitable for emphasizing flower beds or zoning an area into several functional areas. Such fences have a height of 20-70 cm.

The following types of vegetation should be planted to create the base:

chubushnik "Gnome". This undersized plant is characterized by a dense crown without flowering. Due to the sufficient density, you can cut the branches, giving the shrubs the desired shape;
Japanese quince. This is a beautiful plant that is known to many for its aesthetic characteristics due to its dense foliage and spring flowering. In the fall, you can pick delicious fruits from the bush. The dense crown should be thinned out once every couple of years;

common heather. You can use this evergreen shrub for a low hedge. Heather is prized for its ease of pruning and for its decorative qualities, which increase with the flowering of the shrub;
alpine willow is unpretentious. It can grow on any bud and can be used to create a beautiful hedge. Despite the fact that this plant belongs to the category of undersized, you will need to prune it regularly;
holly mahonia. This plant variety loves shade and can grow in any soil. Despite the fact that this plant variety is purely decorative, its fruits can be eaten.

Average

High-quality plants, which are no more than 2 meters high, will help form a hedge. Such a solution will be able to protect fruit vegetation from strong winds and hide your territory from the prying eyes of passers-by. Medium live fences are planted from the following vegetation:

The elderberry grows quickly, so it will need frequent shaping. This plant is especially attractive due to its beautiful inflorescence and berry fruits;
tree hydrangea is renowned for its abundant and long flowering period. The shrub has a hemispherical shape and grows up to 1.5 meters in height. Purchase quality seedlings from trusted breeders who grow hydrangeas in your climatic zone;
viburnum can take any shape after pruning. This plant will delight you with its bright greenery and lush flowering throughout the season;
spirea. This deciduous shrub has many types of cultivars. The plant grows quickly, so after three years you can get an attractive decorative fence;
lilac bushes create an impenetrable hedge. Such a solution can beautify your site during flowering.

High

The height of such a hedge is 2-6 meters. Such a solution will help you hide the area from prying eyes, will protect the area from winds and dust, and will also create a shadow for the required area. To create a living fence, you need the following types of plants:

bird cherry. Thanks to a wide selection of varieties, you can choose the best option for your site;
honeysuckle is distinguished by its decorative properties due to its beautiful leaves and bright berries. Such a plant loves the shade and is resistant to frost and drought;
panicle hydrangea. This variety of plants grows up to 8 meters. The ornamental qualities of the shrub are enhanced with flowering;
berry yew belongs to the category of slow-growing trees. Such a plant has a red color and is characterized by its bactericidal qualities. Due to the aesthetic properties of yew, it is often used to create labyrinths in the garden and park area.

To create a decorative fence, you need perennial climbing plants and tree vines. They help hide some areas on the site, and also form chic hedges. When choosing such a fence, keep in mind that you need a strong metal frame. The following plants are popular:

liana campis. It is a giant plant that has sprawling branches and colorful blooms. It is not afraid of drought, but in order for the flowering to be long-lasting, the vine needs to be watered often;
Common hops like warm and humid climates. Due to the dense greenery, the plant completely covers the frame, and ripe buds will give the original appearance of your hedge;
vertical landscaping can be created from climbing roses. Such shrubs should be planted in a warm and mild climatic zone. If your site is located in the northern area, carefully select the appropriate plant varieties;
Clematis belongs to the category of fastidious vines of extraordinary beauty. They will help create a unique fence, but it will take a lot of effort.

Which plants to choose?

To create a living fence on your site, you can use different varieties of plants. Some summer cottage owners choose hedges from small trees, others stay on tall plants. The choice should depend on your financial solvency and taste preferences.

The choice of vegetation for a living fence should be based on several indicators:

what type of hedge do you want to get;
whether your plants need a shearing or will they grow in free form;
how high a living fence should have;
green fence function;
features of the soil on which the trees will grow;
the climate in your area.

Many people choose conifers. They are popular in hedges as they retain their attractiveness throughout the year. When choosing vegetation, remember that only decorative varieties can be used for a living fence.

Consider the growing conditions of each variety, as there are coniferous shrubs that require shade, while others love the sun. Planting shrubs keep a distance of 25-55 cm.

Experts advise against planting coniferous shrubs in areas with clay soil. It is also not recommended to resort to this type of plant if the groundwater is located near the surface.

Single-row and multi-row options

Many people believe that a hedge is a single structure that cannot exist as a stand-alone option. Green fences can carry several functions:

outdoor fence;
component for zoning the site into functional zones;
use as a barrier around a flower garden, garden paths.

Green hedges may differ in planting method

Single row

A single-row hedge is a densely planted, densely branched shrub. As a rule, disembarkation is carried out along a fence, paths or as a division into functional zones. The hornbeam looks beautiful in such a layout. It is a deciduous plant that is easy to shape. With it, you can create an original painterly design.

Double row

The two-row hedgerow fully meets the architectural and artistic requirements. As a rule, it contains one or more types of plants, which are planted in two levels. With this solution, you are guaranteed to cover your area from exhaust gases, strong winds and dust. In such compositions, only those varieties of bushes can be used that tolerate a haircut well and are unpretentious in care. Otherwise, the hedge will lose its attractiveness from the effects of car exhaust and wind gusts.

Three-row

Three-row green fences are most often planted near the road. Such a hedge requires significant financial costs and efforts. Such plantings can only be located over a large area.

Vegetation is arranged in tiers: undersized shrubs are present in the foreground, and higher representatives should be planted in subsequent rows. For this purpose, dogwood, hazel are suitable. You can replace these trees with linden trees. Small-leaved linden, which is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, participates in the creation of living fences. Some people plant Orebro, Palida or Crimean varieties. The middle row can be equipped with lilacs, which will act as a barrier against dust and dirt.

In multi-tiered hedges, a combination of contrastingly colored vegetation will look good. You can combine deciduous and coniferous trees. To give your fence a natural look, you can plant trees in one row. They should be located on the second or third tier.

Sometimes shrubs and trees are unable to protect the site. In this case, a railing is used, which will close the passage for people to the territory. This method allows you to preserve ornamental plantings.

Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs have always attracted the attention of landscape designers for their attractiveness at any time of the year. Many gardeners choose coniferous shrubs, since these plants look elegant even in winter and do not require frequent pruning. When choosing plants, you should take into account that even fast-growing shrubs take their shape after a while.

Experts recommend choosing plant names with the help of experienced landscape designers.

If you want to plant a brilliant cotoneaster in your area, keep in mind that it is the complete opposite of a regular cotoneaster. This variety will not be able to please you with delicious berries, since it is used strictly for decorative purposes.

A cotoneaster is a bush that is formed on erect, densely spaced stems. The shrub grows up to 2 meters, but it should only be purchased as a seedling. These plants have a rather fluffy and dense crown.

The cotoneaster should be constantly looked after. Do not neglect watering, loosening the soil, and mowing. These manipulations will be required until the shrub grows. Adult bushes are unpretentious.

Barberry bushes are easy to trim. This plant is distinguished by its fast growth and fragrant berries, which gourmets add to jam or pilaf. An adult plant reaches a height of 0.3-3 meters. Barberry can grow on any soil, is drought tolerant, but does not tolerate excess moisture.

Spirea belongs to the category of unpretentious shrubs that are not afraid of severe frosts, gassed air. Such a plant is able to survive even in large cities. Spirea blooms from early spring to late autumn, filling the air with pleasant aromas. There are several varieties of shrubs that differ in the color of the leaves and the shape of the bush.

A hedge can also be created from hawthorn bushes. For this purpose, you will need certain types of plants that are resistant to harsh climatic conditions and have a dense crown that can be trimmed.

The decorative qualities of hawthorn are evident all year round. In the spring you will be delighted with the white color of its flowers, and in the summer you can admire the small leaves. In winter, the hawthorn bears fruit with scarlet berries.

Such a shrub loves sunlight. Consider these features when landing, as partial shade can prevent the hawthorn from blooming. However, such a plant is able to survive even severe frosts. It is best to plant the plant in spring.

Keep in mind that hawthorn does not belong to the category of fast-growing shrubs and it may take you about 10 years to grow a full-fledged live fence.

There are several other popular shrubs that are often involved in hedging:

from juniper you can get close-knit plantings of small size. It can also be planted alone for decorative purposes. Creeping plant varieties help in places where you need to install a barrier or strengthen the slope;
sea buckthorn can be used for similar purposes. This plant is widely known in the medical and food industries. For it, you should choose warm areas where there is a sufficient amount of light and there is no strong wind. The disadvantages of this shrub include its slow growth;
planting panicle hydrangea can only be done on fertile soil. The plant will need a darkened area to feel comfortable. Hydrangea has a fast and abundant flowering, so some varieties of this shrub should be pruned annually so that it does not break under its own weight;
boxwood is the leader among shrubs that are used in the design of summer cottages. It has gorgeous foliage that pleases the eye all year round. This plant is used by almost all gardeners and designers.

Trees

Trees, like shrubs, can act as green hedges. It is best to purchase low-growing plants, as they are distinguished by their elegance and economy. Many gardeners purchase coniferous tree varieties. If you are looking for a similar option for yourself, buy only decorative varieties.

If you decide to plant a fence on your territory that will change its appearance every season, choose deciduous varieties. When choosing vegetation, keep in mind that those that grow in your climate zone are best suited. Foreign representatives can have a fabulous price, which does not guarantee the survival of the tree in your region.

When choosing climbing crops, make sure that the vegetation cannot harm the fruit plants that grow in your beds. To enhance protection against intruders, you will need to add thorny plant varieties to the living fence.

There are several varieties of trees that you can grow for a hedge in your country house:

spruce is popular for creating hedges. They are decorative, improve air quality and suppress bad odors. Spruce keeps rain and snow well, practically does not undergo diseases and does not require frequent haircuts. However, such a plant does not grow well on dry soils;
willows are the simplest trees with which you can create a living fence. They are fast growing so you don't have to wait long for your hedge to grow. Such a plant requires constant care and attention, so be prepared to provide it with the proper level of attention;
large-flowered campis is also popular among summer residents due to its fast growth rate. The plant is a treelike vine that can stretch up to 15 meters. The campis is spirally wound onto the support post and, after hardening, does not lose its character. This tree blooms throughout the summer and the first month of autumn. This condition is met if you planted a tree plant in a sufficiently lit area with neutral soil;

the fast growth rate is attractive, but Russian gardeners prefer frost-resistant options. As a striking example, we can consider the medicinal cherry laurel, which adapts to the shade and survives even in severe frosts;
thuja is also unpretentious if you followed the conditions for planting and caring for the tree. The plant does not like shade and too bright sun. It is recommended to place such a hedge in partial shade;

small-leaved elm is considered a long-liver. The tree can live up to 400 years and grows up to 40 meters in height. This variety has a dense crown and attractive flowering;
mountain pines are often used as a green fence in summer cottages. Different varieties differ from each other, therefore, it is possible to create an original composition only at the expense of such trees. As a dominant in the hedge, you can plant "Columnaris", which has a conical crown. Such a tree easily survives mowing, but quickly dies in severe drought.

Any tree that will be located next to the fence can be attached to it with a wire.

This solution is reliable and will help you provide an additional level of protection against external intrusions.

Landing rules

If you want to create a good green hedge with your own hands, take the issue of crop selection seriously. Focus on unpretentious plant varieties that require minimal maintenance, grow for a long time and can provide a uniform green wall.

To create a hedge without errors, study the rules for planting vegetation:

choose plants that can withstand winter frosts, early frosts and the sudden return of cold weather;
if you are just starting to learn the basics of gardening, you should not choose complex plants. Better to plant simple trees, which include the spherical willow. She adapts well to the Russian climate and has an attractive appearance;
to plant a tree, you will need to cut a couple of twigs from an adult and transplant them into soil. Next spring you can admire the result of your work;

even the most unpretentious plants can be ruined if soil preparation is neglected. It is necessary to ennoble the ground in the second half of autumn, pulling the rope in the place where the fences will be located. With a well-marked line, you won't be able to go off course when you need to dig a moat;
the width of the trench will depend on the number of strips of trees that will be present in the hedge. For each row, at least 500 mm should be set aside. Before planting a seedling, the recess should be filled with fertilizer;
you cannot transplant coniferous shrubs that are under three years old. Very adult representatives are also not suitable for work;
many plants can collapse under their own weight. You can easily replace the problem area, but in landscape design unnecessary gaps and changes are not approved. To eliminate the likelihood of the death of shrubs, it is recommended to install supports;
long boards can be used as supports, which will be located 0.5 m above the ground. Treat this material before use and secure.

For planting shrubs that will participate in the creation of a hedge, there are separate rules:

the neck of the rhizome should be at the level of the soil or it can be deepened by 10-20 mm;
you can determine the correct gap between the points using the height of the plant, its structure and the work of the root system. The slower the shrub grows, the more you can bring the bushes together;
for a single-row scheme, a distance of 200-250 mm is provided;
for double-row fences, a minimum distance between notches of 0.3-0.5 m should be observed. A similar spacing should be present between the strips.

This step-by-step instruction will help you carry out competent planting of vegetation and avoid mistakes that inexperienced gardeners often make.

Original haircut ideas

Most budding gardeners think that they need to wait for the trees to grow before shaping their hedges. You can wait a couple of years only when planting coniferous varieties. Deciduous plant types should be pruned immediately after disembarkation … The next pruning occurs in the fall season.

If you do not prune for two years, it will be impossible to shape the grown tree.

Before you start molding, you need to decide on the future shape of your hedge. Consider the fact that vegetation with a straight top will need to be cut more often. Otherwise, the hedge will lose its decorative qualities.

The upper zone has the fastest growth, so in this part the lines are broken, despite the normal state of the sides. If you don't have the ability to constantly trim your hedges, shapes that have a rounded or triangular top are fine.

Triangular

First of all, it will be necessary to shorten the shoots during the first year. If you are working with shrubs that are sold in bunches with bare roots, you can cut them up to half their height. If you are planting container type plants, cut 1/3 of the height. After strong pruning, there is an increased growth of new shoots, which gain their density by the end of the summer season.

In the second step, you will need to frame the green fence. If you look inside the already finished fence, you will notice a large skeleton of naked shoots, from which many young ones, with numerous foliage, stretch out. You will need to create a similar wireframe. It must have a significant density so that the crown is distinguished by its density and opacity. This process is carried out in the second year after planting and is carried out within 3 years. The pruning frequency can be up to 5 times in one season.

You need to get the required level of skeleton density for your hedge. Trimming should be done based on the selected shape. Stick to your chosen cropping method, slightly raising or lowering the top point of the triangle. The effect depends on the planned length and thickness of the plantings. With each subsequent year, you will need to prune 4 cm higher. This method allows new shoots to actively grow along with the formation of new forks.

When you get the required level of shoot density, you can start forcing in height. At this stage, you need to raise the cutting height by 10 cm.

Fast-growing shoots should be pruned until the lateral shoots reach the required density. The foliage should fill the hedge tightly.

Spherical

Many people prefer honeysuckle, which is the legendary representative of garden vines. This plant has long been used by gardeners and attracts attention with its dense foliage, fragrant flowering. Honeysuckle is an unpretentious plant that can be used as a green hedge.

Such bushes are compact in size and spherical in shape. The optimal place for the location of such plants is along the paths and along the perimeter of the site. Honeysuckle grows on its own without pruning. Cutting should be done in the seventh year of vegetation life, when the bushes become too thick. Once every three years, rejuvenating pruning of the crop should be carried out using thinning.

It is not recommended to cut out skeletal branches completely, as the crown is slowly recovering. Before pruning, you should remove the aging branches, and then proceed to decorative processing.

Conical

Many designers plant spherical thuja in areas that look attractive when trimmed to a conical shape. To get this haircut, you will need to trim three times per season. To work, you need to tie a rope to the top of the tree, the other end of which is attached to a peg buried in the ground. With this action, you can get a triangle. Cut along the side of this triangle. A properly created cone will be formed by moving the peg around the tree.

To get a spiral outline, you will need to wrap the plant with duct tape or paint it with water-based paint. Consider the angle of inclination of the spiral in your work. With this method, you can make straight lines, and the artificial shape will look spectacular and attractive.

The brittle willow is a plant that must undergo formation. In the first year, the tree does not need to be touched. You can start pruning when the height of the bush reaches 1 meter. The procedure consists in pruning young shoots by 20 cm. When performing these actions, buds should be left at the ends of the branches. Shoot pruning should be done at an angle.

Maintain the required distance between the cut and the kidney. If you cut a branch too close to it, it can dry out or freeze. If you choose a long distance, you will get a stump, which can get an infection. Many novice gardeners are afraid to prune the shoots so as not to spoil the tree. But without this procedure, the willow will not acquire its attractive forms.

Blackberry bushes should also be shaped constantly. This plant has flexible stems, which are formed by dividing into fruiting and young shoots. To get a harmonious plant, you can use three types of formation: fanning, rope and weaving in a certain direction or in opposite directions.

Caring for a blackberry can be a lot of trouble, but you should not neglect this procedure. The first pruning should be done two years after planting. Further manipulations are carried out once every two years.

You will also need to prune every spring, shortening stems that are too long with dried tops.

Tips & Tricks

Expert advice will help you provide your plantings with proper care and maintain their attractiveness for a long time:

pruning is not recommended for the first year after planting. Plants must be strong before winter comes;
observe moderation in watering, because you are not growing vegetables in the beds;
hedges require feeding. Watch the dosage, as excess fertilizers can be harmful;
coniferous shrubs and flowers should be purchased in garden centers and greenhouses that are located in your region;
most of the vegetation is unpretentious. You will be required to pay extra attention only when choosing the right place for planting. Then only pruning is done, which will help keep the hedge looking attractive.

How to choose the right hedge plants:

choose the variety of the desired plant based on the characteristics of your soil, type of lighting, climatic conditions and the amount of precipitation in the region;
soberly assess your capabilities. Decide how much time you are willing to spend on planting maintenance. Depending on the type of vegetation, you will need different time costs. If you do not plan to spend a lot of time on pruning, choose simple options that only require periodic shaping;
a beautiful hedge can form a few years after planting if you take good care of it;
the decorative qualities of a green fence are an important step in choosing vegetation. Decide on the appearance of your hedge and select the right plant varieties. Ornamental trees, shrubs and climbing plants are suitable for such a fence.

In the horticultural world, there is a wide variety of vegetation to create a living fence. You will need to familiarize yourself with the type of perennial shrubs that are being formed. For example, irgi bushes can become a worthy alternative to a fence, and with the help of climbing varieties of roses, you can create an impassable wall that will delight you with beautiful flowers.

After you make your choice, learn the details of caring for a particular plant species.

Examples in landscape design

There are many original ideas that will help create a unique hedge on your site. For example, alpine currants will help you get an attractive wall that will delight you with its decorative qualities throughout the season. Such a plant is rarely found in gardens, but it deserves your attention. Currant bushes form a low hedge, which will look attractive along the central paths or next to the walls of buildings.

A beautiful hedge can be made from hazel trees. Choose an ordinary shrub that does not produce nuts. The selected bushes have beautiful leaves with the correct shape, due to which an advantageous appearance is formed. With the right formation, you can get a real living wall, in which there are no gaps.

If you want to plant an unusual plant in your summer cottage that can turn into an original figure, pay attention to the spherical maple. With the help of such a magnificent plant, you will get an original setting on your territory.

A beautiful hedge can be made from yellow acacia. The plant has high decorative properties, due to which the wall will attract the attention of others. Attractive flowers will delight you with their appearance, and an impassable wall will become a reliable defense of the territory.