Do you want to add a natural, informal hedge to your garden? Plants are the perfect solution!
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option or something that will provide a bit of privacy, there are plenty of plants that make great hedges. From evergreens to flowering shrubs, there are a variety of plants that can be used to create an informal hedge. In this blog, we’ll explore the different plants that make great informal hedges, as well as how to properly care for them.
So, if you’re looking to spruce up your garden with an informal hedge, read on to learn more about the best plants for the job.
Benefits of planting an informal hedge
Planting an informal hedge offers a wide range of benefits both for individuals and their outdoor environment. With the right mixture of shrubs, grasses and trees, you can create a beautiful, naturalistic space that will attract wildlife, provide protection from the wind, and offer a secluded, tranquil spot for relaxation.
An informal hedge can provide shelter and privacy to your outdoor area, buffering the noise of nearby roads and construction, while adding to the diversity and beauty of your landscape. Additionally, you can use an informal hedge to create ecological corridors and provide food sources for beneficial insects and birds. When selecting plants for an informal hedge, you may want to opt for native species that are suitable to your local climate, soil conditions and environmental factors.
Native shrubs and grasses—such as boxwood, juniper, and switchgrass—offer a range of texture, color and form that allow you to create a unique and personalized garden. Low-growing perennials—such as sedum, yarrow or alyssum—can also be used to create an informal edge along a flower bed or walkway, adding to the naturalistic effect of your outdoor space. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, planting an informal hedge can also have a positive effect on the environment.
It can help to slow down water runoff from heavy rains, which can help to reduce the risk of flooding. An informal hedge can act as a buffer for air pollution, reducing soil particles and dust in the air, and providing protection from strong winds.
By providing food and shelter for wildlife, you can help promote diversity in your backyard and contribute to the health of local ecosystems.
Types of plants suitable for an informal hedge
Creating an informal hedge can be an excellent way to add greenery and beauty to any garden. Whether in a large or small space, there are many plants well-suited to serving as an informal hedge. For gardeners in the UK, some of the best options are hawthorn, beech, yew and holly.
When selecting plants for informal hedges, hawthorn is often a top choice due to its hardy nature and ability to provide a natural boundary. These plants grow quickly and are quite tolerant of wind and sun, making them suitable for growing in a range of environments.
Also, hawthorn provides both lovely spring and summer blooms, as well as its signature red berries in the winter months. Beech is another plant option for informal hedges in the UK. These vigorous growing trees can reach heights of up to 30ft, providing an excellent windbreak or privacy screen.
Beech also tolerates both wet and dry conditions, making it suitable for a variety of growing conditions. Beech produce a distinct display of dark leaves that contrast beautifully with other garden foliage.
The yew is also well-suited to cultivating an informal hedge. Despite its slow growth rate, yews are highly tolerant of pruning and will easily conform to the desired shape of a hedge. Besides their hardy nature, yews also provide a vibrant display of long-lasting red berries and rich green needles.
When choosing yews, it’s important to consider their mature height as some varieties can grow up to 50ft tall. Finally, holly is a great option for informal hedges.
This slow-growing evergreen much like the yew, has a dense foliage that looks appealing year round. Holly hedges are ideal for gardens looking for a bit of privacy, as well as for attracting wildlife. With any of these plants, establishing an informal hedge can be a great way to add both greenery and structure to any garden. They look great when used in combination with other shrubs, trees, and flower beds to create a truly captivating outdoor space.
Tips for planting an informal hedge
Creating an informal hedge can add a touch of beauty and charm to your outdoor landscape. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance option for screening a view or simply want to add texture and greenery to your garden, an informal hedge can be a great choice. It’s important to keep in mind that when planting an informal hedge, choosing the right plants is essential for its success.
Choosing the right type of plants for an informal hedge is important for a few reasons. Depending on your climate, there are certain types of plants that will do better in different environments.
If you live in a colder climate, you will want to choose plants that can tolerate the cold weather. If you live in a warmer climate, you will need to find plants that can withstand the heat. Additionally, the size and shape of your hedge will have an impact on which plants you should choose.
There are a variety of plants suitable for an informal hedge, such as shrubs, hedging grasses, and groundcovers. For cold climates, salal, juniper, and boxwood shrubs are all great options.
For warmer climates, red-tinged juniper, cherry laurel, and berberis are all foolproof choices. Additionally, hedging grasses and groundcovers, such as liriope, are excellent options for colder climates, as well as warmer climate plants, like rosemary, Japanese andromeda, and lavender.
When creating an informal hedge, it’s important to ensure you are using both evergreen and deciduous plants to create the perfect balance. With the right plants, your informal hedge will add beauty and texture to your outdoor landscape. From selecting the right plants, to choosing the perfect location, creating an informal hedge can be a beautiful and satisfying experience.
With the right tips and tricks, you can create a stunning and practical outdoor landscape that will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Maintenance of an informal hedge
:Gardening experts often recommend plants for an informal hedge as a way to create incomparable and attractive fence line boundaries. When well-maintained, an informal hedge can offer year-round colour, structure, and beauty in a garden.
When designing and planting an informal hedge, it’s important to choose hardy, reliable species that require minimal upkeep. Box trees, both standard and intermediate (more suitable for smaller gardens), are always popular choices, as are laurels, yews, and conifers. Fast-growing varieties using a combination of species, such as creamsicle hydrangeas, hornbeams, and hawthorns, are also ideal for a quick and long lasting informal hedge.
To keep an informal hedge looking its best, regular clipping, usually 3 to 4 times a year, is essential. The shape and size of a hedge is totally down to the gardener and their own taste, although a general rule of thumb is 2/3 wider than it is tall.
Trimming should be done in early spring, late spring, and again around late summer, to ensure the formal-to-informal look remains just that. For larger hedges, an electric hedge trimmer is, by far, the quickest and easiest way to keep all the shrubs looking neat and in proportion. The upkeep of an informal hedge is a rewarding process and with the right balance of maintenance and patience, any outdoor space can enjoy the longevity and beauty of a neat and thriving hedge line.
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Bottom Line
A formal hedge can add a great aesthetic to any garden, but informal hedges can provide a unique and attractive look. They are low maintenance, require little pruning, and are ideal for adding texture and color to any landscape. Popular plants for informal hedges include boxwood, yew, holly, and privet.
With careful selection of plants and proper placement, an informal hedge can be a beautiful addition to any garden.
FAQ
What types of plants are best for an informal hedge?
The best types of plants for an informal hedge are shrubs such as boxwood, privet, yew, and holly.
How tall can an informal hedge grow?
An informal hedge can typically grow up to 6-8 feet tall.
How often should an informal hedge be trimmed?
An informal hedge should be trimmed two to three times a year.
What is the best way to plant an informal hedge?
The best way to plant an informal hedge is to stagger the plants in a zigzag pattern, with the tallest plants in the center and the shortest plants at the edges. Plant the hedge at least 18 inches apart and water regularly until the plants become established.
How much space should be left between plants when planting an informal hedge?
The amount of space left between plants when planting an informal hedge depends on the type of plants being used. Generally, a gap of around 30-45cm (12-18 inches) between plants is recommended.
What are the benefits of having an informal hedge?
The benefits of having an informal hedge include providing privacy, creating a windbreak, and adding visual interest to a landscape. Additionally, informal hedges are typically low-maintenance and can be shaped to fit any space.
