Low hedge ideas

theGrinch

Looking for ideas for a low front hedge at the front boundary. It will be planted in raised beds.

Easy to maintain, needs moderate amounts of soil, south facing, height approx 1m and extending length 2.5 metres, quick growing.

Davesnave

Is there a good reason for planting a hedge in raised bed? I ask because unless you want to get into watering it, a summer like we've just had could put it under severe strain.

I have a variety of hedges in places that are raised, especially banks around fields. There, it takes years for new saplings to grow well, probably because of nutrient deficiency, but also because the banks go bone dry.

Even at the front of our property, where the grass is only raised about 0.25m above the road surface I'm having trouble with a cotoneaster simmonsii hedge, bits of it dying every dryish summer. It makes an ideal 1m wildlife-friendly hedge, but I couldn't recommend it in dry situations.

From what I've seen, boring old privet survives just about anything in the way of dryness, or any other challenging condition. There is a variegated version, which I'm considering multiplying x100 myself (easy enough) to replace the cotoneaster.


Edit: Sorry, read your post with my bifocals.....maybe 2.5m is not so onerous to water as 25m. My bad!:rotfl:

Apodemus

Depending on where in the country you are, Escallonia might work. Great plant for the bees when it is in flower.

theGrinch

The raised bed (bricks) is existing and 6 courses.

Even if I remove it at expense there will a hard surface underneath that would need to be excavated. I just don't have that money available.

I have invested in water butts and picked up 200L this week. I think all properties should do that. I digress.

I can also replace the soil with a more nutritious mix.

Privet might work. Always liked a nice tight privet and cost wise its £15. Alternatives would be metal railings, picket or raising the wall - costing £150-300

Justagardener

Have a look at lonicera nitida.
Unfortunately you get caught up in that horticultural paradox of fast growing but low maintenance! It makes a nice hedge though

madjackslam

As it's going to be raised, I was wondering about something that trailed. So, maybe lavender, mahonia, or one of the decorative rubus. It would create a more informal look. Or scruffy, it it's not what you're after. Depends on the site I guess.

sheramber

Box, low growing Berberis, lavender