Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Hedging (or plants) for a small trough?

andrewofficerxy-uojnIandrewofficerxy-uojnI Posts: 5
in Problem solving
Hi folks, could anyone advise on whether it is possible to grow a hedge in a small trough/container? (See pics below). The planting area is 30cm deep and 22cm wide.

I was looking at Ilex Crenata or Euonymus Green Spire (boxus alternatives) to create a lush green formal hedge aesthetic but not sure if it is feasible...

If not, any ideas on what I could plant successfully that might work well at the front of the house?

Thanks for any help in advance!


«1

Posts

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Are you able to connect it up to any sort of automatic watering system?  Something that can run daily in the summer months?  
    Utah, USA.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can certainly try those, but the trough would need a soil based medium for them to thrive long term. If it's been filled with compost, you'd need to remove some, and add soil, or a John Innes compost. There are various types, and are loam based, designed for shrubs etc, to give them a sturdier growing medium. Compost isn't enough to sustain plants of any kind long term.
    Make sure the level is high enough too - about an inch from the top. The soil levels always settle a bit when first filled, so it's a good idea to leave it for a little while before planting up, and then you can add more at that time if necessary.   :)
    Plenty of attention to watering as already said, although if it's a shady site, they won't dry out as quickly. I'm assuming there's decent drainage holes in the container too? If not, you'll have to empty it and add plenty.
    It's always a balance with containers to get moisture retention, but good drainage as well. Good luck with it   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Both those plants will be fine in your container once you've got your soil and drainage sorted out, as advised above.  For your soil based component, I'd use John Innes No 3. The ultimate height of your plants will be dictated by the soil depth so if you are looking for a hedge of 2 to 3 feet high, that depth should be fine.  If you want a taller hedge, I'd recommend using a deeper and wider trough.

    I like both those plants. The Euonymus is a brighter green with attractive lime green tips and would be my preferred choice.  Either will make an attractive evergreen screen for you.  Once planted up, I'd recommend adding a half inch mulch of grit, gravel or decoractive pebbles on top of the soil to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. It will also prevent the soil splashing out of the container when you water.  Good luck!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    I agree with @Plantminded  Euonymus Green Spire would look good in that trough. We have some growing in large pots. Their fastigiate/columnar habit would make them perfect for that spot. They grow a reasonable amount each year, but are not so rampant that you have to constantly trim them. We give ours a weekly liquid feed from now until the Autumn, and have just topped our pots with rotted manure.

    They are very easy to grow from softwood cuttings, but those would take years to get to any size.

    If you still looking at other suggestions, take a look at Pittosporum, but only some of the more dwarf varieties (Midget, Golf Ball, etc). They are not hardy everywhere in the UK, but have attractive foliage, and can be trimmed to shape.
  • andrewofficerxy-uojnIandrewofficerxy-uojnI Posts: 5
    Thanks all. I will go for the Euonymus Green Spire! Poor drainage is actually what killed the yews I had in here previously. There are only 4 drainage holes currently and they drowned - my bad.

    Learning from my mistakes... I am planning to:
    1. Take out the existing soil + drainage gravel
    2. Drill 3x drainage holes every few inches all the way along the length of the trough
    3. Lay fine insect netting (to help stop the holes clogging up)
    4. Put an inch of gravel on top of the netting for drainage
    5. Lay more insect netting on top of gravel to separate from soil layer
    6. Put in soil (John Innes No.3 as recommended above)
    Any changes or additions you might make to this prepping plan?

    Really keen to get this one right, thanks again for all your advice!
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    That sounds very good to me. You can buy filter fleece designed for the job, rather than insect netting, which might not be fine enough.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I wouldn't put a layer of gravel in the bottom, I'd mix grit/fine gravel in with the soil so that the whole mix is freer draining. It can act like a sump if it's just laid in a thick layer at the bottom, which then creates the problem of roots sitting in wet conditions for along time. There's always a bit of debate about that though.  :)
    I'd agree that the netting wouldn't be great. I use old bits of landscape fabric if I have a large container when I've put various bits and pieces in it to take up space. That stops the soil all washing through.
    It's still better to use crocks to cover the holes first though, but that may not be possible with the design of the container. 
    Good luck with it.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Looks great. Hope it does well for you  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Simple and beautiful. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Sign In or Register to comment.