Hedge plants come from a variety of regions all over the world, as different species are native to various parts of the globe. Boxwood (Buxux), Golden Ticket Privet (Ligustrum), cypress (Cupressus), yew (Taxus), laurel (Prunus), etc., are some of its common types.

With numerous options based on appearance, growth rate, environmental conditions, and height, There are extensive options to plant in your cottage.

Some hedge plants thrive in tropical climates, while others may be better suited to subtropical regions. It’s essential to select hedge plants that are compatible with your local climate to ensure their healthy growth.

About Hedge Plants

Hedge plants are a cornerstone of garden design, providing structure, privacy, and visual appeal. The Jungle Collective’s curated collection features a diverse range of top-quality hedge plants for you to shop and enhance your outdoor space. Let’s highlight our top five types:

• Boxwood

Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub with dense foliage and compact growth. It’s valued for versatility in garden design, used for hedging, topiary, and borders. Its small, glossy, dark green leaves and slow growth rate create an elegant and classic look. 

• Lilly Pilly

Lilly Pilly is a popular hedging plant with vibrant and glossy foliage in shades of green, pink, or bronze. It provides dense growth and produces attractive berries. Known for its versatility, stunning appearance, adaptability, and wildlife attraction, Lilly Pilly is a top choice for hedging. 

• Cherry Laurel

Cherry Laurel is a versatile evergreen shrub with erect green leaves. It spreads up to 10 feet wide and grows to 20 feet tall. It blooms with fragrant flowers in spring, even in shade. Cherry Laurel resembles Ilex latifolia but can be distinguished by leaf gland placement. It tolerates alkaline, dry, and poor soils, and can be heavily pruned due to its competitive roots.

Benefits of Having Hedges 

• Evergreen & Deciduous Options

The hedges vary in color & size along with their shedding & growing abilities. You are free to select between evergreen and deciduous hedges according to your specific requirements. 

Evergreens offer year-round coverage, privacy, and habitat for wildlife. While, deciduous hedges bring seasonal variation, sunlight penetration, and dynamic foliage displays. 

• Shape Retention and Versatility

The pliable nature of Hedges allows for flexibility in shaping and pruning. These plants are highly adaptable to various landscape designs, whether crisp lines, elegant curves, or complex topiary designs. 

You can sculpt them to your desired formation. With proper care and maintenance, their natural growth patterns respond well to shaping, providing a versatile and enduring solution for maintaining beautiful, well-defined outdoor spaces.

• Erosion Control and Water Retention

Hedges are a formidable defense against soil erosion as their deep roots anchor the soil right in place. Their network of roots stabilizes the soil, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rains. These plants act as natural sponges by absorbing excess water and aiding in land drainage. 

• Shielding Against Wind

Hedges provide effective protection against strong winds. You can create a windbreak by planting a hedge plant, slowing down the wind currents, unlike fences, which may divert the wind upwards, causing turbulence and damage. Hedges filter and calm the wind, leading to improved air circulation. 

These hedges also protect delicate plants and structures from the string wind blows. Additionally, they can also serve as energy-saving insulation, minimizing heat loss. 

How To Care for and Maintain Hedges 

• Avoid Pruning During Breeding Season 

Good pruning ensures dense and wide hedges. It is better to prune hedges in late spring, early fall, or winter when they are fully dormant. Avoid pruning during hot and dry weather, and complete the trimming well before the first frost. 

If you prune your hedges during the breeding seasons, it can disrupt nesting birds and their habitats and cause stress, abandonment of nests, and potentially harm the bird populations. Trimming hedges can create a visually pleasing, polished, cohesive landscape that stimulates denser foliage growth.

• Partial to Full Sunlight

Understand the sunlight preferences of your specific hedge plant. Some may thrive in full sun, while others may need only partial sunlight. Hedge plants that grow well in sunny sites are drought tolerant and can easily thrive in dry and hot conditions. However, they don’t need constant sunlight; 6-8 hours are enough. 

• Deep Watering to Roots 

During the initial stages of hedge establishment, regular deep watering is crucial. To ensure proper hydration, it is advised to water every 2-3 days, allowing the water to penetrate deeply into the soil for 1-2 hours.

While most hedge plants are drought tolerant, they may need proper watering for the first few seasons to establish their roots. Hedges may require additional water during hot summers to remain hydrated and healthy. 

• NPK and Well-Rotted Manure For Fertilization 

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (often called NPK) are essential nutrients for lush plant growth, root development, seed production, regulating water uptake, and disease resistance. 

Fertilizer packaging displays these nutrients as a percentage, known as the N-P-K ratio. For example, a 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. When selecting fertilizer for hedges, choosing an appropriate N-P-K ratio is important. Balanced fertilizers with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are generally suitable for most hedges. However, certain plant species may have different nutrient requirements, so it’s crucial to research their specific needs before deciding to buy a fertilizer.

Homemade fertilizers, such as well-rotted leaf composts and manure, can provide a rich source of nutrients for hedges. These organic materials break down over time, gradually releasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil, improving soil structure and promoting beneficial microbial activity.