I'm trying to put together a hedge for my garden in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, and I'd love some suggestions. I have a few specific requirements for the hedge: it needs to be cold-hardy for zone 8a-8b, stay evergreen for year-round privacy, have fragrant flowers, and produce edible berries or fruits (it'd be a bonus if they're tasty or useful in the kitchen). Additionally, I'm looking for a plant that is resistant to pests and diseases, should reach about 6 feet tall, and is moderately slow-growing. I've been considering Pineapple Guava since it checks many of these boxes, but I'm unsure about its growth rate and cold tolerance. If you have any recommendations, I'd really appreciate your help!
4 Answers
Have you thought about Evergreen Huckleberry or Dwarf Yaupon Holly? Also, Kumquats could be a neat fit! There aren’t a ton of choices that check all your boxes, but these could work well together!
Honestly, it might be tough to find a single plant that fits all your needs. You could consider planting a privacy hedge and adding berry bushes on either side. That way, you get privacy along with your edible plants!
I have tea camellias growing in Washington, and they do really well in zone 8b! While they don’t produce edible berries or have a strong fragrance, you can make your own tea from the leaves! It’s a unique idea if you want something a bit different for your hedge.
You might be aiming high with that combo in Vancouver! I’d suggest going with some blueberry bushes. They’re quite hardy and provide delicious berries! They won't give you the full hedge vibe but they'll definitely satisfy your edible criteria.
That’s a cool option! I drink a lot of tea, so that could really work for me. Thanks for the suggestion!