Hedging plants for your garden > The best hedge plants large and small
Japanese box hedge - Buxus japonica
Japanese box is an excellent hedging plant for low to medium sized hedges. Most Japanese box hedges are grown to around 40cm tall, although larger hedges up to 1.5 m can be grown (given many years). Japanese box does not have flowers, but has a lime green colour and stands out in the garden very well. Best soil type is a loam, however they will also grow in sandy soils well, plants will grow in clay soils, but growth will be slower. Japanese box grows at good pace, not too fast or too slow. For the best shape, prune every 6 weeks. Japanese box responds to nitrogen fertilises very well, but the use of general purpose NPK is suggested to build healthy plants. Japanese box grows well in semi-shade to full sun conditions. It is suitable to grow in sub-tropical to temperate regions. It will also grow in cool temperate regions, but growth speed is reduced. Not suited to areas with heavy frosts, as the foliage will be burnt. Japanese box grows thickly and is suited to low hedges, it is superior to English box in many ways, particularly in the growth department. Plants are resonably hardy, but will not stand up to extended droughts. Under normal conditions the plants will grow with normal, natural rainfall,and not need extra watering. The secret to growing good low hedges with Japanese box is to use enough plants when planting the hedge. To develop a hedge of around 40cm high, plants should be planted around 20cm apart (or closer if possible). Japanese box is not suitable for areas with salty coastal winds. Plants will live around 25 years.
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Escallonia medium sized hedge
Escallonia is a group of plants growing from small to medium sized shrubs. The taller ones are most used as hedges. They grow quickly and develop white to pink flowers depending on variety. The stems are upright and most plants grow to around 2 mtrs tall and around 1.5 mtrs wide. As a hedge they can be kept easily around the 1.5 to 2 mtr height, with a width of around 1m. Escallonia shrubs grow best in temperate climates, not suited to areas with extended winters or heavy frosts. They are suprisingly hardy shrubs and can be considered drought tolerant once established. Escallonias can grow in a varity of soils from clays to sandy soils, but grow best in loams. Water well to establish, but once they have developed a good root system they will look after themselves. Plants grow quickly with good fertilising, any granular NPK fertiliser will suit Escallonias, avoid nitrogen fertilisers like sulphate of ammonia, as this will reduce the development of flowers. Foliage is a glossy green and flowers develop in late winter and flowering continues to summer, in some areas longer. Pruning will reduce flower development, but a prune every two months will keep the plant in good shape. Escallonias live as a hedge for around 25 years.
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Coprosma varigated Mirror Bush medium hedge
Coprosma varigated, also called Mirror Bush is an unusual hedging plant, but one that can find a place in the right garden. It has glossy white and green leaves and a bushy habit. This plant has no flowers and is grown mainly for its low maintenance nature and unusual colour. Infact this plant can lift the atmosphere of a garden considerably due to its bright foliage. It is mostly suited to medium hedges up to 1m up to 1.5m with a with a width of around 80cm. Speed of growth is moderate, but can be increased with a general purpose fertiliser. Fertilising can be done at any time of year. Coprosma is an adaptable plant, growing in sandy soils, in windy, coastal conditions or inland in heavier soils. Plants are considered to be drought tolerant once established. Comprosma grows best in full sun, however this varigated variety grows well in semi-shade also. After plant has been pruned into shape, it is best to leave it and let it develop some foliage. Comprosma looks much better as a bushy hedge and is not suited to constant pruning. Coprosma has no major pests and is generally a very low mainenance plant. Plants live for around 25 years and longer.
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Erigerion daisy "Seaside daisy" low hedge
Erigeron daisy is a small groundcover like plant which spread quickly. The plant makes an excellent low hedge when kept within boarders. It is a great plant to grow along a retaining wall or up a driveway, as a boarder. Erigeron is a very quick growing plant and at times will self seed around the garden. Plants grow to around 25cm tall and develop white, brown and pink flowers all on the same plant. Erigeron daisy flowers most of the year and adds a low maintenance, colourful addition to cottage and formal style gardens. Plants grow best in temperate climates and will withstand light frosts. Erigeron daisy will grow in sandy, loams to clay soils and are generally a very hardy plant. The plant will withstand extended periods without water, once established. A good prune now and then will keep your daisy hedge in shape, and increase blooms. Fertilising is generally not required for this plant, however a general purpose NPK fertiliser will increase growth substantially. Plants grow best in full sun, however they will also grow in semi-shade conditions. These plants have few pests, however slugs and snails can be a problem now and then. As Erigeron likes to spread it is best to keep plants within boarders or regularly dig along edges, to keep under control. Plants live for around 5 years.
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