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Yew or Privet?

PennyroyalteaPennyroyaltea Posts: 28
in Plants
Hello, 

We are planning to put a hedge in our garden to separate the driveway from the garden and I was wondering if I should go Privet or Yew?

Very new to gardening so any advice would be greatly received!

Thank you!

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @Pennyroyaltea - privet grows much more rapidly than yew, and therefore needs more trimming. It largely depends on how much time you have for maintenance  :)
    Both make good hedges though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PennyroyalteaPennyroyaltea Posts: 28
    @Fairygirl thank you very much 😀
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Take a look at some of the online hedging specialists too - there's often good info there. I've used this company a few times 
    https://www.hopesgrovenurseries.co.uk/

    You can get an idea of prices etc too, and whether plants will suit your conditions.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    How tall and wide do you want it to be? Privet can be kept quite short and narrow if you are on top of the clipping. Not sure about yew (although, unlike most other conifers, it can be cut back hard if needed).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • SydRoySydRoy Posts: 167
    Yew isn't keen on damp soil.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    If conditions are suitable, yew. Don't overlook beech or hornbeam though.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    SydRoy said:
    Yew isn't keen on damp soil.
    I'd have to disagree with you. It grows perfectly well here, and the ground is always damp in this neck of the woods. It depends on drainage.
    Waterlogged soil however, is a different matter. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • SueAtooSueAtoo Posts: 380
    The link is a good one. Don't overlook the non-traditional plants.
    East Dorset, new (to me) rather neglected garden.
  • K.e.dziubinskaK.e.dziubinska Posts: 16
    Go for Yew! A lovely looking native species that is good for bird nesting and berries for wildlife to eat in Autumn. 
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