How to Grow Evergreen Hedging Plants - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Evergreen hedging s is a plant that is used to provide privacy or to block out noise and other unwanted distractions. It can also be used to create a windbreak or to simply add some green to your landscape. There are many different species of evergreen hedging s, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.

How to Grow Evergreen Hedging Plants - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • English Yew
  • Western Yew
  • Japanese Yew
  • Irish Yew
  • Scottish Yew

Common Knowledge

  • Evergreen hedges are a great way to create privacy and reduce noise pollution.
  • Evergreen hedges can also provide windbreaks and shade in hot weather.
  • Evergreen hedges can be a great way to boundary a property.
  • Evergreen hedges can be low maintenance if they are given regular pruning.
  • Evergreen hedges can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so regular checks and treatments are essential.
  • Evergreen hedges can be a great source of food and shelter for wildlife.
  • Evergreen hedges can be an important part of the garden ecosystem, helping to improve air quality and promoting biodiversity.
  • Evergreen hedges can be a great investment, adding value to your property.
  • Evergreen hedges can be a fire hazard, so it is important to choose a non-flammable variety and to position them away from buildings.
  • Evergreen hedges can be a great way to add interest and structure to your garden.

Related plant:
Best Evergreen Shrubs

Planting Process

  1. For evergreen hedging s, first step is to dig a hole of depth (about 40 centimetres ) and width approx (double the size of the plant pot's diameter)
  2. Take the plant out of its pot and loosen the roots (do not disturb the root ball too much)
  3. Place the plant in the hole (position it for the best look) and back fill the hole up with soil (do not firm the soil too much, just tap it gently with your hand)
  4. Water the plant thoroughly (long enough until water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot)
  5. measure the height of the plant and cut the stem (about 2 - 3 centimetres longer than the required height)
  6. For 1-2 years after planting, regularly water (during dry periods), do not allow it to dry out.
  7. Feed regularly (spring and summer)
  8. Prune (trim) the plants every 2-3 years early spring or late summer.
  9. Mulch regularly
  10. Protect your plants (from plants) with weed control membrane (if required).

Related plant:
Evergreen Hydrangea

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, evergreen hedging is not too demanding. It grows well in a wide range of soil types, from heavy clay to light sand, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. It is also tolerant of poor drainage and salt-spray, making it ideal for coastal gardens.

Light requirement

So, like the other types of hedges, evergreen hedges need sun to grow properly. However, unlike other types of hedges, evergreen hedges can tolerate shady areas better. This means that evergreen hedges can be a good option for areas of your garden that don't get a lot of sun. If you are thinking about planting an evergreen hedge, make sure to choose a variety that is suited for the amount of sun in your garden.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of evergreen hedging s is very important. If the temperature is too high, the leaves will turn brown and fall off. If the temperature is too low, the leaves will turn black and fall off.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the plant will start to shed its leaves. If the humidity rises above 70%, the plant will become susceptible to pests and diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant needs a lot of it in order to maintain a constant growth. However, over-fertilizing can “burn” the roots of the plant, so be careful not to go overboard. The same goes for watering – too much or too little can both be detrimental to the health of your evergreen hedging.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your evergreen hedges healthy and looking their best. How and when you prune will depend on the type of hedge you have and your own personal preferences. Evergreen hedges can be pruned in a variety of ways, from simple shaping to more drastic measures like thinning out or rejuvenation pruning. Shaping is the most common type of pruning and simply involves trimming the hedge to create a particular shape or size. thinning out is usually done to reduce the density of the hedge, while rejuvenation pruning is done to encourage new growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the hedge time to recover from any pruning damage and ensure that it looks its best for the rest of the year.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Evergreen hedges are often propagated by taking cuttings from the parent plant. This can be done at almost any time of year, but the best time to take cuttings is usually in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots that are about 10-15cm long. They should be cut just below a node (the point where the leaves attach to the stem) and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cuttings should then be placed in a pot or tray of moistened propagating mix and covered with a plastic bag or clear cover to create a humid environment. They should be kept at a temperature of 18-21°C and should root within 4-8 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast. This is especially true for younger hedges, which can grow several inches per year. Once a hedge reaches its full height, the growth rate will slow down, but it will still add new growth each year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn brown and die back, and the branches may become leggy and bare. These problems are usually caused by too much sun or too little water. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant your evergreen hedging s in an area that gets partial sun and water them regularly.

Tips on Growing

  • If you're looking to create a hedge, opt for evergreen hedging plants.
  • When planting your hedge, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
  • Backfill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost.
  • Water the plants well, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
  • Fertilize the plants twice a year, in spring and fall.
  • Prune the plants regularly to encourage new growth and maintain the desired shape.
  • Be mindful of pests and diseases, and take steps to prevent or control them.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and control weeds.
  • Irrigate during extended periods of drought.
  • Enjoy your beautiful, healthy hedge!

Alternative Plants

  • Silver Thuja
  • Cross Leaved Heath
  • Yellow Archangel
  • Snowberry
  • Rosemary
  • Salmonberry
  • Bayberry
  • Bittersweet
  • Buckthorn
  • EUonymus

Source:
Great Evergreens for Screens and Hedges | North Carolina …
Choosing evergreens for your landscape | UMN Extension
Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-leaved Evergreens

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category