Types Of Hedges

Commonly referred to as living walls, hedges are nothing but shrubs or low trees that grow in lines and close spaces to form boundaries or fences. They come in different shapes and sizes, and serve a variety of purposes. In fact, they can be worked to fit into any garden situation. They can be used for blocking views, delineating boundaries, creating garden rooms, or even serving as a backdrop for other plants. Similar to a shrub or tree, hedges do not demand much care and attention. Once established, some require only trimming and pruning. Most of them retain the foliage round the year and grow in every climate, while others grow only in specific weathers. Given here are different types of hedges that you can choose from to beautify your garden, whilst protecting from unwanted dangers and elements. Read on to know about a few of them.

 

 

Characterized by broadleaf, evergreen upright shrubs, these boxwood hedges grow in shady conditions, providing greenery and protection throughout the year. Depending upon the species, boxwood hedges are found in spherical shapes or upright and slender ones that can be given a formal shape or a tight informal pattern. Right from a foot tall to twenty feet tall, boxwood hedges can live up to 300 years or more, producing blooms in the springs with very small flowers.

 

A perfect addition for a small garden or landscape, dwarf hedges can grow in places that are otherwise too small for hedges to thrive. They grow up to a height of only a few feet. Ninebark dwarf, Hancock coralberry, and blue leaf Arctic willow are some examples of dwarf hedges.

 

Evergreen hedges, generally, find place as border decorations or for protection against different elements. Compared to deciduous hedges, evergreen hedges are easier to grow and require less trimming and pruning. However, they are more prone to get damaged due to snowfall in the winter season. Some common variants of evergreen hedges include wintergreen boxwood and mountain laurel.

 

Fast growing hedges are a perfect replacement to fences and other manmade barriers. They grow fast reaching to the desired height in no time. Available in various sizes and styles, fast growing hedges provide both beauty and protection to any garden. Some common types of fast growing hedges include silly dogwood, Cheyenne privet, and purpleleaf sandcherry.

 

Apart from the basic qualities of hedges, flowering hedges provide great beautiful and colorful blooms to the garden in spring or summertime. The blooms usually vary by species and are, most often, fragrant. Bonica rose is one of the most beautiful flowering hedges. In fact, it was voted as the world’s favorite rose in 1997. Other popular groups of flowering plants are Spiraeas and Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince.

 

Garden hedges are one of the most versatile hedges as they grow in any landscape situation and every climate across the globe. They are used as borders or dividers, as they protect the garden space from animals and wind and add a privacy shield to the area. Beautiful, intricate, and striking, garden hedges make beautiful dividers of property lines or sidewalks. Further, they make a natural protection shield throughout the year.

 

Found in a variety of shapes and sizes, tall hedges serve a number of purposes as well. They vary in size from a mere one foot height from the ground to heights of twenty feet or even more. They even serve the purpose of a private screen due to their tall height. Red rum honeysuckle, French pussy willow, and Siberian peashrub are some common kinds of tall hedges.