Hedges play a huge role in landscaping, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. Whether you want to create a private sanctuary or add visual interest to your garden, evergreen hedges offer a perfect solution.

With their year-round foliage and low maintenance requirements, they are a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers alike. In this guide, we'll explore the advantages of evergreen hedges, factors to consider when choosing the right ones, and our top 10 evergreen hedge recommendations.

Height

You should consider the desired height to achieve the level of privacy or screening you need.

Climate Suitability

Ensure the chosen hedge is suitable for your climate to ensure its healthy growth.

Each species of evergreen hedge will possess different characteristics, so be sure to check these before buying to ensure you get the right hedge for you.

What Makes a Hedge Evergreen?

First things first, what actually is an evergreen hedge? Well, an evergreen hedge is a row or boundary of plants that retain their green foliage throughout the whole year, regardless of the season. Unlike deciduous plants, which shed their leaves during autumn, evergreen hedges maintain their lush green appearance year-round, providing a continuous screen or backdrop in a garden or landscape.

What are the advantages of Evergreen Hedges?

Evergreen hedges hold a ton of key advantages that make them highly sought after in landscaping. As mentioned above, evergreens maintain their lush foliage throughout the whole year. This trait is particularly advantageous when it comes to creating privacy barriers, as evergreen hedges can effectively shield an area from view at all times.

In addition to their privacy-enhancing qualities, evergreen hedges are also loved for their ability to add visual interest and structure to any garden, even during the winter months when many other plants may appear dormant or bare. Their constant greenery provides a pleasing backdrop for flowering plants, creating a vibrant and attractive landscape throughout the year.

The low maintenance requirements of many evergreen hedge species also make them an attractive option. They generally require less pruning and cleanup compared to deciduous plants, who’s leaves fall each year, making them a practical and time-saving choice.

Top 10 Evergreen Hedges

So, what evergreen hedge should you buy? In no particular order, here’s a list of 10 evergreen hedges that we recommend:

1. English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): With large glossy leaves, this hedge provides both privacy and an elegant ornamental touch.

2. Portuguese Laurel (Prunus Lusitanica): Known for its dark green foliage and red stems, this hedge offers a striking contrast.

3. Boxwood (Buxus Sempervirens): A classic choice for formal gardens, boxwood hedges are versatile and can be shaped into various topiary designs.

4. Yew (Taxus Baccata): With its dense and dark green foliage, yew hedges are ideal for a classic, elegant look.

5. Privet (Ligustrum spp.): Known for its rapid growth and dense foliage, privet hedges are perfect for creating privacy screens.

6. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata): Resembling boxwood, Japanese holly hedges are a popular choice for low borders and topiary work.

7. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): This evergreen hedge is known for its ability to thrive in various conditions and offers a dense screen.

8. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii): This fast-growing hedge is excellent for creating tall and dense screens. Its feathery foliage provides a lush green backdrop to any landscape.

9. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'): A narrow, pyramidal hedge that maintains its bright green colour year-round.

10. Escallonia (Escallonia) is recognised for its vibrant, glossy foliage and attractive, showy flowers, often used as a striking hedging or ornamental plant in gardens.

Planting and Care Tips

When planting evergreen hedges, it’s crucial to prepare the soil properly and space the plants according to their growth habits. Watering regularly during the establishment phase is also essential. Plus proper pruning, fertilising, and pest control are vital for maintaining healthy hedges and preventing common issues like browning foliage or diseases.

Choosing the Correct Hedge for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect evergreen hedge depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the height required for your privacy goals, the soil conditions, and the amount of light the area receives. Also, think about the aesthetic qualities of each hedge and how well they align with your landscape design, such as growth rate, density, colour etc.

Overall, evergreen hedges are a versatile and enduring element in landscaping, offering year-round greenery, low maintenance, and a range of options to suit various privacy and ornamental needs. Whether you’re looking to create a secluded retreat or add an elegant touch to your garden, evergreen hedges are an excellent choice that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space throughout the seasons.

Shop Evergreen Hedges online on Grasslands Nursery! We’re proud to offer premium hedges at affordable prices for both industrial and personal uses. All of our hedges have been expertly grown and cared for, so you rest assured you’ll be getting hedges in prime condition!