Need Suggestions for Evergreen Instant Hedge Plants That Are Safe for Dogs
Asked by G4rd3nM3n7
Hey everyone! I'm looking to add some privacy to the front of my house, which is currently wide open. I want to install an instant hedge that's evergreen and sturdy since we live just a few miles from the sea. Also, it's essential that the plants I choose aren't poisonous to dogs. I initially thought about using Laurel, but I've heard that's not safe for pets. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the plant list from my local nursery, so I'd love some suggestions for a beginner gardener like me. Any tips? Thanks a lot!
Answers
If you want something unique, you might check out camellia, but keep in mind that it doesn't grow super fast. I faced a similar challenge with wind and my dog, and I switched from eleagnus to a Donard seedling Escallonia hedge after seeing it thrive in coastal gardens. Griselinia, Diosma (or 'Breath of Heaven' – great name, right?), and even a native beech hedge are excellent choices too! Just remember that some plants can have a shorter lifespan, so do your homework on that before planting.
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Consider using Viburnum tinus! It's a fantastic choice for hedging and will give you some lovely white flowers and berries later on. It's quite hardy, and I've had great success with it as a privacy hedge in my garden.
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Have you thought about Yew hedging? I caught a segment on Gardeners World where Alan Titchmarsh recommended it for its fast growth—about a foot per year! Plus, they can be found bare root online for instant hedging.
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Eleagnus is a solid option if you're looking for something hardy that won’t harm your dogs!
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Definitely stick with native hedge plants! Yew is a great evergreen option and can be easily sourced bare root for quick planting.
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