Once a hedge was a uniform row of one kind of tree or shrub clipped regularly to maintain a precise form. But consider the informal look too.

Hedges, clipped or informal:

• give shelter from wind
• form screens
• give privacy
• define boundaries
• act as a backdrop to other plants.

A dwarf hedge might be used for edging paths, lawns, borders or a knot or herb garden.

Because of the work needed to maintain a formal hedge, consider a row of closely spaced shrubs to form an informal hedge. Clipping is just the removal of wayward shoots and spent flowers.

A hedge will vigorously compete for nourishment and moisture. It is therefore essential to thoroughly prepare the soil before planting:
1. Dig a trench to a depth of 30cm incorporating well-rotted manure and other organic matter into the soil.

2. After planting, regularly feed in the growing season, especially after the hedge has been clipped. Water whenever necessary. Bear in mind that hungry feeders take nourishment from nearby plants.

3. Trim young plants in early stages to encourage dense growth at the bottom. Clipping formal hedges
may be necessary two or three times a year. Make the job easier with a power hedge trimmer.

Tip: When clipping make sure the hedge is broader at the base and tapers towards the top. This shape is easier to clip and allows the maximum amount of sunlight to all parts of the plants.

Formal hedges

Conifers:

• Bhutan cypress, Cupressus torulosa, is one of the most favoured as it will withstand clipping, has a dense broad base and is suitable for most climates except tropical.
• Monterey cypress, C. macrocarpa, is also used and can be kept to 3 m by pruning.
• Pencil pine, C. sempervirens, and its varieties make ideal hedge plants and may be clipped for a formal hedge or allowed to grow into a tall informal hedge.
• English yew, Taxus baccata, is a slow-growing conifer tolerant of most soils and growing conditions and is suitable for temperate and cool climates. Its closely-packed foliage makes an excellent solid hedge.
• Pyracanthas with their colourful berries make attractive hedge plants. Heavy pruning at flowering time should be avoided as the ornamental fruit will not be produced.
• Photinia glabra `Rubens' bears attractive new bright red foliage that is encouraged by regular clipping.

Others:

• Murraya, suitable for warm coastal and subtropical areas, fragrant.
• Coprosma repens, looking-glass plant, excellent for seaside use.
• Euonymus japonicas, Japanese laurel, with its interesting foliage variation, is at its best in cold climates.
• Escallonia, clipped to 2-3m makes an excellent hedge for most districts.

Low growing

For dwarf clipped hedges suitable for edging paths or as a design element in a herb garden:

• Rosemary which can be clipped to any size
• Buxus sempervirens, dwarf form of the common box, also perfect for formal window boxes.
• Lavender, ideal for bordering paths and driveways, which is clipped when flowering has finished.
• Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana', is deciduous and a delightful edging plant to 45cm high with purple-crimson foliage. The taller variety to 1.5 m also makes a beautiful hedge when clipped and can be relied upon for interesting coloured foliage.

Informal hedges

Plants for informal hedges are usually chosen for overall compact growth as they are only pruned once or twice a year.

• Abelia, hardy in most districts.
• Lonicera nitida, honeysuckle, with its dense growth can be clipped into a formal low hedge or left unclipped.
• Hydrangeas
• Camellias
• Azaleas
• Shrub roses make beautiful informal hedges when in flower.

Tip: Its a good idea when buying plants for a hedge to get a few extra. If there is space, plant these near to the hedge in the same conditions. Should replacements be needed the spares will be the same size and will have adapted to your garden.

Source: Gardening Made Easy (Murdoch Books)