Alternatives to Buxus hedge?

Sam Jesson · January 2016

Good evening

I'm looking to put in 13m of Box hedging, i've just been to a couple of nurseries who've said they don't stock Buxus due to blight. What would you recommend as an alternative? The hedge is only going to be about 25-30cm high and is to provide a nice formal edging for a veg patch in a walled garden,

Many thanks,

Sam

Jason milly · January 2016

I asked the same question as I wanted something for topiary and was put in the direction of baggisons gold and it has proven to be great and you can take easy cuttings of it .

Jason milly · January 2016

You beat me to it philllppa

Sam Jesson · January 2016

Thanks for this! How about Yew?

Fairygirl · January 2016

I always recommend Hebes if you want something box-like. They need a decent aspect and drainage, but Vernicosa and some of the smaller ones have similar foliage and make a nice ball shape without any real effort. Not so good if you want to clip into a 'square' hedge shape but you can trim them a bit, and you could always be a trailblazer and have a curvy hedge anyway

Busy-Lizzie · January 2016

There are small leaved hollies that clip well and look more like box than holly! First link is for the pics, but pricey if for a hedge, so I've found a cheaper one, I expect you could find others if you like the look of it.

http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/ilex-crenata-dark-green--icoprins11-pbr/classid.2000020898/

http://www.hedging.co.uk/acatalog/product_10208.html

Sam Jesson · January 2016

Thanks Lizzie, that looks great

Tootsietim · January 2016

Lonicera nitida 'Baggesons gold' gives a good dense hedge but to keep it looking neat and tidy it will need lots of regular clipping.

I haven't tried myself but I have heard of several people experimenting with yew hedges kept to about 12 inches high.

Busy-Lizzie · January 2016

Talking of Hebes, are any of them hardy? All the Hebes I've ever had have always died once it gets to -5° in the winter.

Alternatives to Buxus hedge?

Posts