Hedges are a popular way of delimiting property, creating privacy and beautifying gardens. There are various types of hedges to choose from, which are described below and presented with examples.
In a nutshell
- three main categories of hedge species
- Subspecies with different characteristics
- in addition to growth traits, maintenance is also important
Table of contents
- deciduous hedges
- Deciduous hedges
- Evergreen deciduous hedges
- needle hedges
- flowering hedges
- hedge variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
deciduous hedges
As the name suggests, deciduous hedges are plants with foliage. They are available in different versions. None of the hedge species mentioned shows such a diverse variety of subspecies as in deciduous hedges. Garden owners should therefore always think about the properties their new deciduous hedge should have before making a purchase decision.
Deciduous hedges
The deciduous hedges include those specimens that form dense foliage in the middle of the year, which may impress with their autumn colors and then fall off. Deciduous hedges are therefore mostly deciduous and become bare. In winter, only the bare wood remains. Here are some popular examples:
- field maple(Acer Campestre): fast-growing at around 40 to 45 centimeters per year, high stability thanks to a meter deep roots
- hornbeam(Carpinus hornbeam): tolerates pruning very well, decorative foliage, preferred bird nesting site
- blooming burnet rose(Pink Pimpinellifolia): grows like a bush, dense shoots, root barrier recommended due to underground runners
Evergreen deciduous hedges
These keep their leaves all year round and therefore also offer privacy during the winter months with their foliage, such as:
- boxwood (Buxus): high decorative value, very tolerant of pruning and malleable, dense growth
- medlar(Photinia): different foliage colors available, growth height up to three meters, easy to care for
- cherry laurel(Prunus laurocerasus): widespread, tolerates pruning well, little ecological benefit
- barberry(berberis): for example snow barberry and silver barberry, grow like a bush to medium height, have thorns and, depending on the variety, colorful leaves and flowers
needle hedges
Coniferous hedges are made up of coniferous plants, which, due to their dense growth, provide privacy, particularly popular because of their ease of shaping and their windproof and noise-reducing properties are. As a rule, these are also fast-growing coniferous plants that are available in different growth heights and widths. Normally they are all hardy and evergreen. They are also considered easy to care for because they store water better than deciduous hedges and are mostly less demanding. Among the most popular and best-selling needle hedges are these:
- tree of life(thuja): very pruning compatible and suitable for topiary
- false cypress(Chamaecyparis): similar to Thuja, but grows more slowly and upright
- yew(tax): Classic hedge with red berries, very easy to care for, robust and long-lasting
A notice: The Yew is very poisonous and should not be planted in gardens where children and animals can reach them unsupervised.There is enough Alternative hedges the non-toxic are for them.
flowering hedges
Flowering hedges are currently very trendy, provided they insect friendly are valid. The protection of nature and the environment is also playing an increasingly important role in the home garden, so that more and more garden owners are opting for flowering hedges. Proper flowers bear mostly only leafy plants. These can be chosen as summer and/or winter green hedge types. Many varieties of flowering hedges enchant with stylish leaf colors in autumn. Some may bloom well into winter. With the extensive selection, it is worth taking a close look at the individual properties the right flowering hedge for personal requirements and the local conditions choose. Here are some coveted examples of the flowering hedge species:
- barberry(Berberis frikartii): evergreen, yellow flowers, up to 2 meters high
- rhododendron(Rhododendron): evergreen, available in different flower colors - growth height up to four meters
- California lilac(Ceanothus thyrsiflorus): very many flowers, flowering period from May to October, height of growth up to two metres
A notice: Flowering hedges usually require a lot of space, which is why you should always plan a planting distance of between one and two meters. In addition, even evergreen specimens usually become significantly bare in winter and then no longer offer sufficient privacy protection.
hedge variations
Garden owners often care less about the type of hedge and more about certain properties that should be guaranteed. Here are some examples of plants:
Hedge types that are particularly easy to care for:
- bay cherry (Prunus laurocerasus)
- Book (Fagus)
- conifers (Pinales)
Particularly high-growing hedge species:
- different grasses such as bamboo (Bambusoideae)
- Cherry Laurel Caucasica (Prunus laurocerasus 'Caucasica')
- spruce hedge (Picea)
Narrow-growing hedge varieties:
- Green barberries (Berberis thunbergii)
- Japanese cherry 'Amanogawa' (Prunus serrulata 'Amanogawa')
- Oval-leaved Privets (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
- Pyramidal Hornbeams (Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata')
Low-growing dwarf hedge species:
- Hedge Myrtle 'May Green' (Lonicera nitida 'May Green')
- Creeping Spindle 'Emerald Gold' (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gold')
- Spoon Ilex 'Convexa' (Ilex crenata 'Convexa')
Frequently Asked Questions
Coniferous hedges are best suited for privacy protection. She grow very opaque and are usually evergreen, so that privacy is guaranteed all year round. Although flowering and deciduous hedges can also be used as hedge types with privacy screens, they usually require more work. In addition, the purchase selection is more difficult because they can differ significantly in their properties.
That depends on the hedge species and the respective plants. It depends on how fast they grow and whether dense growth is to be encouraged. Flowering and deciduous hedges should generally be trimmed every two to three years. Form and needle hedges are mostly trimmed once a year to maintain a straight line at the top. For a denser and stronger growth, up to two prunings a year are recommended.
No. You can choose the right hedge for you from all the hedge types on your property. However, you should ensure that the minimum distance from the property line to the neighbor is maintained and that your hedge does not cause any damage or danger to the neighbor. This would be the case, for example, if a horse pasture borders your property and you want to plant yew there.
Among the main types of hedges are plant alternatives grasses and climbing plants, whereby the latter require a climbing aid. In addition to walls, plant-free alternatives also include fences, among which gabions are very popular.