A hedge is a man-made plant barrier, often consisting of a row of dense, evergreen shrubs. Hedgerows in the countryside are often made up of a wide variety of plant species, whereas those in urban parks and gardens may only have a single kind. Hedges are often used nowadays as fences to keep animals in or out, as well as borders and screens to separate gardens and fields. Tecoma (Trumpet bushes) This evergreen hedging shrub with yellow bell-shaped flowers.
The hawthorn is the most typical hedgerow shrub, and it has long been favoured for usage in rural areas due to its robust thorny branches and dense growth, both of which serve to keep livestock from escaping through the hedges. With the exception of holly, all of the trees in a hedgerow are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves in the fall. While some species have been introduced on purpose, others have spread naturally through time.
A hedge is a live wall made entirely of plants. The purpose of a hedge might be wholly aesthetic, largely functional, or something in between. Hedges are often made up of evergreen or deciduous shrubs that have been shaped and pruned to a certain size and form. A garden hedge may block the wind, provide seclusion, and act as a backdrop for your flower beds, vegetable plot, or any other kind of garden. Instead of installing costly barbed wire, a well-maintained hedge might make for a formidable barrier.
see also: All about Bougainvillea
What are hedges?
Hedges refer to shrubs or trees or sub-shrubs planted at regular intervals, forming continuous screen. They are planted to offer protection to the property against theft, trespass, wind, etc.
Garden hedges serve the purpose of:
- A compound wall, ensuring privacy
- A screen to shield unwanted items
- A partition to segregate one space of the garden from another
- A backdrop for a floral display
See also about: how to plant a seed step by step
15 best hedge plants you can grow in your garden
Listed here are the 15 best hedge plants for your yard.
Euphorbia antiquorum (Tridhara)
Indian farmers often plant the spiky succulent shrub Euphorbia antiquorum (Tridhara) along their property lines. This plant’s appearance causes it to be mistaken for a cactus. Once it has taken root, it may grow to be as tall as three metres, making a formidable barrier or hedge.
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see also: about Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Lawsonia inermis (Henna/Mehandi)
The henna plant has attractive green leaves and small, white to red flowers. The powder and paste used as dyes originate from the plant’s dried leaves.
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Bougainvillea spectabilis
You may use it as a climber to create a sturdy hedge around your yard. Hot, dry climates are ideal for its development. We need healthy soil that can retain a reasonable quantity of water. When watering the bougainvillaea, take care not to oversaturate the soil. Once mature, they may be able to withstand drought conditions as well.
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Morpankhi (Thuja)
It’s a fast-grower that makes a good boundary hedge due to its thick foliage. Maintaining the proper size and form requires regular pruning.
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Pedilanthus tithymaloides (Devil’s backbone)
Pedilanthus tithymaloides, often known as devil’s backbone, is a succulent in the spurge family that is frequently employed as an ornamental hedge despite its lack of spines and leaves. A thick live fence may be constructed with this very resilient plant in a short amount of time. Plant cuttings of 10-15 cm in length in two rows with a 15 cm separation between them.
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see also: All about Bougainvillea Spectabilis
Hedera helix (English ivy)
It is an evergreen perennial with heart-shaped, green leaves that are waxy and have pronounced white veins; this plant is known as English ivy.
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Duranta repens (Duranta)
The Duranta shrub grows quickly and has tough, lime-green leaves. In the summer, it blooms with beautiful blue flowers that are a magnet for pollinators. It’s common to see the plant in front of homes as a privacy screen.
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Clerodendrum inermis (Vilayti Mehendi)
This shrub is ideal for both decorative and functional hedge purposes. The green of the leaves has been polished to a high sheen, making them seem quite nice. The leaves have an unpleasant odour, so snakes don’t hang around there, and it can withstand dry conditions and frequent cutting without suffering.
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Lantana Camara species
Lantanas are colourful, sturdy shrubs. As a hedge, it may reach heights of two to four metres and produce dense thickets. They may take on a vining form under certain conditions. They have tough stalks and sometimes harsh leaves. There’s a wide selection of colours for those lovely clusters of flowers, from pink to orange.
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Carissa carandas (Karonda)
The thorny, bushy shrub known as Carissa carandas (Karonda) is often planted as a defensive barrier. Also, in the summer, the plant bears delicious fruits that are highly prized throughout the country in India. Distance between rows of seeds is typically between 60 and 75 centimetres. Monsoon is also ideal for rooting cuttings of stems.
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Hamelia patens (Firebush)
It’s possible for firebush to reach a height of 15 feet, and it grows quickly and has a semi-woody texture. Red hairs cover the evergreen leaves of this shrub, which produces orange tubular blooms throughout the summer.
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Mussaenda Species
Mussaenda plants, often known as Bangkok Roses, thrive in warm, humid climates. Hot and humid climates are ideal for their growth. The shrub’s large, showy blossoms are either yellow or pink, with white, pink, or red petals. The maximum height of this plant is between two and three metres. Some hybrid types may flourish in colder places because of their tolerance of cooler temperatures and drier soil. Light trimming throughout the growth season would be necessary.
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Jatropha curcas (Mogli Erand, Biodiesel)
It is a wild plant that has been naturalised in India but is not used for human consumption. Because no cattle will eat the leaves, it may be used as a living barrier to keep animals out of gardens and fields. When it rains, cuttings of the stem quickly take root.
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Tecoma (Trumpet bushes)
This evergreen hedging shrub with yellow bell-shaped flowers. This shrub, which may reach a height of 20 feet in India’s tropical environment, flowers continuously throughout the year.
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Murraya paniculata (Kamini, Kunti)
A tall shrub that may reach heights of three metres or more, Murraya paniculata (Kamini, Kunti) is a sight to see. Beautiful dark green, glossy, and pinnate leaves may be seen. Fragrant white flowers bloom after a rainstorm. When given the proper attention, this plant may be pruned into a tall, beautiful hedge.
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How to grow hedges?
Here’s a step by step guide for the cultivation of hedges:
Land preparation
Hedges can be grown in different types of soil. Make sure you choose fertile and well-drained soil to promote the plant’s growth and development. Plough the land up to the depth of 45 cm. For an ornamental hedge, dig a trench of around 60 to 70 cm deep and 45-60 cm wide and keep it open in the sunlight for 15 days to destroy harmful diseases or pests.
Planting
The ideal time for planting hedges is the rainy season, typically July – August. Planting is easy in the presence of humidity. Hedges can also be planted around February – March for adequate water supply.
The planting materials include rooted cuttings or seeds. The
- Plant hedges with spacing of 75 to 90 cm.
- Dwarf hedges must have a spacing between 20 to 30 cm.
- Trees must be planted 2 to 3 m apart.
Manuring
If hedges remain thin, they need minimum care and attention. They must be pruned frequently during rainy season, after which manuring is required.
Watering
Watering depends on the type of soil, growing season, etc. During the rainy season, irrigation is not needed. However, water requirements increase in hot and dry weather. In winter months, hedges must be watered once in every 10 to 15 days. In summer months, watering must be done on weekly basis. One must note that watering needs are higher in light soil compared to heavy soils.
Pruning
After hedges reach a height of around 15 cm, pruning must be done to 10 cm. You can use tools like garden shears. Pruning promotes production of side shoots on each plant. During the rainy season, frequent pruning is necessary as the plants grow faster.
Propagation
Hedges are mostly propagated by cuttings. However, the cost of raising a several plants is reduced if seed can be obtained. If possible, sowing of hedge seed should be done in a nursery.
Hedges: Care and maintenance tips
- Hedging must be proportional to the size of garden.
- If it is a small garden, it must not be overdone.
- Overcrowding of hedges deprives other plants with valuable soil nutrients, sunlight and air.
- In extremely small gardens, opt for a fence with climbers instead of hedges.
- Ornamental hedges help demarcate flower beds, rose gardens, or a shrubbery or paths.
- Hedge plant must be quick growing, dense, hardy, and respond to regular pruning and clipping. It can be raised quickly by seed or cuttings.
- Choose ornamental hedges with attractive foliage and flowers.
FAQs
Which is the most popular hedge plant?
What kind of hedge plant develops quickest?
Berberis ottawensis, blackthorn, and pyracantha orange hedges are all examples of fast-growers.
At what point in time would you be wise to plant a hedge?
You may plant hedges from its bare roots any time between the middle of October and the end of March. Planting times for rootballed evergreens are early to mid-September and early to mid-April, respectively. New hedges will have a far better chance of success if the land is properly prepared before planting.
