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Shrub hedge

liz 289liz 289 Posts: 16
in Plants
Hi Everyone,

I was hoping to get some inspiration for a shrub hedge. We've just had our front garden landscaped, and now have an 8.4 metre stretch ready for a hedge. I want to plant a variety of flowering shrubs for year-round interest rather than just the usual privet etc. The front garden is south-facing, and gets lots of sun. We are on heavy clay soil, but not too exposed to wind.

Some ideas so far are:

- berberis
- flowering quince
- viburnum (either or both of an evergreen like viburnum tinus laurustinus plus a deciduous variety such as opulus roseum)
- escallonia
- ribes sanguineum
- osmanthus burkwoodii
- possibly a lilac
- possibly a philadelphus (though I don't know how well they form a bushy shape)

I'm aiming for the hedge to reach about 5-6 foot high at maturity, which will take several years. 

Any other ideas? Or comments on the suggestions above?

Thanks in advance!

Liz

«13

Posts

  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904
    edited August 2023
    Some of those are deciduous and for a while, in Winter, your 'hedge' might look as if it has teeth missing. The viburnum opulus is great for colour but again deciduous and mine all took an age to establish. My philadelphus (Belle Etoile possibly?) goes all over the place and I find the pruning too much of a faff. It never looks like the book! 
    Escallonia, depending on which one, would do a good job as would berberis (Darwinii is my favourite...no spikes and can be kept in shape or not).
    It really depends on how formal you want to go and do you want privacy or just a boundary of some sort.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think a lot of those are unsuitable as hedging. 
    Escallonias won't like heavy clay, especially if it gets cold/wet. Osmanthus prefer shadier sites. 
    You won't get the amount of flowering on things like Lilac or Philadelphus is they're being cut back as a hedge. The first three will be ok, but be aware that they won't all grow at the same rate either.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    plant pauper said:
     as would berberis (Darwinii is my favourite...no spikes and can be kept in shape or not).

    Berberis darwinii ..super shrub....does have spikes..hidden under the leaves.

    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    edited August 2023
    Sarcococca (winter box) is everygreen and has lovely fragrant flowers. Could be another one to consider.
    Will take a while to reach the height you want.
  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    We have a hedge of grisellinia littoralis. Doesn’t flower ( or at least the flowers are very tiny and green) but  it is evergreen, and the leaves are quite an interesting lime green, and easy to keep under control with an electric hedge trimmer.
    Dont know what soil they like, ours is acidic. this was taken in May.

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @liz289 Interesting you mention Viburnum Tinus. I have just moved and there are eleven plants forming a hedge in a space 14 feet long! The other side of the path leading to the front door in a similar sized area there are only nine!.  There is a covenant that states plants should be no more than half a metre tall.
    This is the same in every garden in the street, perhaps someone can send me some Viburnum Beetles?
    We are the end house planting is just as interesting with a lollipop Photinia underplanted with yes three photinias.

    I have taken a look at your list and the problem is possibly your clay soil which is making suggestions difficult. Berberis is a good option as mentioned by @Silver surfer.
    If you try to mix your plants too much you will get a very strange 'hedge' it will be more of a shrubbery with varying heights and widths you will also have to be aware of planting distances as these can vary depending on soil. Labels at GC's are only a guide.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's all about the soil. Clay is superb for hedging, as well as most other plants, but it needs to be in the right condition for planting anything @liz 289. Heavy unamended clay can be disastrous in prolonged wet weather, especially over winter  :)
    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
    I love eleagnus, evergreen, lovely scent in autumn, can get variegated for the interest.
    East Dorset, new (to me) rather neglected garden.
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904
    @Silver surfer thank you for that. I've never found them because the wee prickly leaves stop me grabbing it too firmly! 
    Could I just say too that I love the way you post lots of photos to illustrate the plants you talk about. It's like a mini reference library. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Silver surfer I agree with @plant pauper your photos and plant knowledge are always very interesting, I too enjoy your posts. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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