I'm on the hunt for a hedge that can provide some privacy in my garden. I'm aiming for a length of about 7.5 meters and a height of just under 2 meters. I want to steer away from the common privet and am looking for fresh suggestions. The ideal hedge should cover well in winter, have a manageable root system since it will be near a retaining wall, and ideally bloom in summer. I'm open to low-maintenance options as well. I've heard about purple beech being a good choice, but I'm curious if there are other plants out there. Also, can rhododendron be shaped nicely? What do you think about edible hedges? I find that concept intriguing!
4 Answers
I’ve had good luck with Griselinia littoralis. It's technically non-native, but it provides excellent coverage, and there's even a variegated option if you're looking for something a bit different.
There are plenty of edible hedge options! Blackthorn, wild cherry, and dog rose can be great choices, and you could even grow a blackberry bush hedge for some delicious fruit. Just a heads up though, rhododendron isn't the best for planting near a retaining wall. As for beech, while they look nice, they do shed a lot of leaves, so be prepared for some cleanup if that bothers you.
You might want to consider using a mix of different species. Plants like Amelanchier, hornbeam, crab apple, and cornus mas could work well. Blending them with hawthorn and other natives can create a diverse hedge that doesn’t rely on a single type!
In my opinion, nothing beats a good Yew hedge. They look classy and offer great privacy!
Totally agree! Black currants are a great idea too since they stick close to where you plant them—much easier than some other berries that can spread everywhere!