Hedges are not only natural, they also form a very nice visual protection against the wind and privacy. They can reach a considerable height in a short time. Compared to a wooden privacy screen, hedges are also quite inexpensive and, with good care, also very durable. The growth strength is quite different depending on the species. In addition, they not only offer protection from prying eyes, small birds also find a suitable nesting place and food here. We present 10 evergreen and fast-growing hedges.
Fast growing hedges
Fast-growing hedges can form a dense privacy screen within two years. Evergreen plants that keep their foliage all year round are particularly effective. Such hedges score well, for example
- a rapid and dense growth
- good cutting tolerance and
- relatively easy maintenance
However, they also bring disadvantages
- regular pruning necessary
- depending on the species up to twice a year
Last but not least, the question of disposal of the clippings must be solved. Composting in your own garden and recycling would be ideal.
notice: When planting a hedge, the boundary distances to the neighboring property must always be observed. These are regulated in the neighborhood law of the respective federal state. Information will then be provided by the municipal regulatory offices.
Fast growing evergreen hedge plants
The growth of plants can be recognized by the annual increase. Fast-growing hedge plants show growth of at least 30 cm per year. As a result, regular pruning is required. Because without pruning measures there is only a weak branching and the formation of an opaque crown is not necessary. It should therefore be a
- plant pruning and
- regular pruning from the year of planting.
However, in the first two years after planting, a second topiary in late summer can be dispensed with. This is only necessary when the plants have reached their growth strength. When deciding to plant an evergreen, fast-growing hedge, care should always be taken to ensure that only hardy species are considered.
Leyland Cypress
This type of cypress is also known as the bastard cypress. It is very fast-growing and therefore forms a perfect privacy screen within two to three years. In addition, such hedges also offer small birds shelter. The wood is hardy, but young plants should be protected from severe frost in the year of planting.
- bot.: Cupressocyparis leylandii
- very dense, conical growth
- dense crown structure
- shallow roots
- Growth height depending on the cut up to 500 cm
- Growth width 150 to 450 cm
- Planting distance 30 to 40 cm
- annual growth 40 to 100 cm
- very robust and resistant
- good wind protection
- easy-care
- regular topiary in autumn and March/April
- loves fresh, moist soil
- Thrives in sun, partial shade but also full shade
- Medium to high water requirement
notice: You should use gloves when working. Because it can cause allergic irritation of the skin.
Tree of Life 'Emerald'
There are different types of thuja. This is probably the most beautiful of them all. The Thuja is also very hardy. Even in winter, the soft needles remain fresh green and exude a fine fragrance. But be careful, all parts of the plant are poisonous. The tree of life is also a coveted retreat for birds.
- bot.: Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd"
- upright, dense, conical growth
- Growth height 200 to 400 cm
- Growth width 100 to 170 cm
- annual growth 30 to 50 cm
- Planting distance 50 cm, 1 to 2 plants per meter
- very easy to care for, hardy and tolerates pruning
- can be cut, but doesn't have to be
- sunny to partially shaded location
- loves well-drained, fresh and moist garden soil
- Fertilize in spring with conifer fertilizer or horn shavings
- high water demand
- Mulch layer keeps moisture in the soil
- water regularly in winter
tip: Thuja is susceptible to fungal diseases. A vigorous pruning therefore helps in the event of an infestation.
yew
The yew is a popular topiary and can become very old with good care. When planting, however, it is important to remember that all parts of the plant are poisonous. The needles of the hardy yew are soft, black-green in color and shiny. Decorative red berries then appear in autumn. These evergreen hedges form a perfect, opaque privacy screen and are therefore particularly suitable for delimiting the property.
- bot.: Taxus baccata
- bushy, upright, branched growth
- deep rooter
- Growth height 200 to 300 cm
- Growth width 70 to 800 cm
- annual growth 25 to 30 cm
- Planting distance 30 to 50 cm, 3 plants per meter
- undemanding
- sunny, semi-shady, shady spot
- also suitable for difficult locations
- avoid dry, very acidic soils
- Water requirement low to medium
- Avoid waterlogging
- very easy to cut and malleable
- regular pruning in autumn and March/April
- Protection from winter sun and east winds
Serbian spruce
This widely used coniferous tree has dark green, shiny, 8 to 10 cm long prickly needles with white striped undersides. The initially violet and later red-brown cones grow up to 5 cm in size. The trunk extends to the top and the branches are crescent-shaped upwards. It is also a good fast growing evergreen hedge plant.
- bot.: Picea omorika
- compact, dense growth
- shallow roots
- Growth height 150 to 400 cm
- Growth width 250 to 400 cm
- annual growth 20 to 40 cm
- disease resistant
- extremely easy to care for
- sunny location
- soil tolerant
- preferably permeable non-compacted soils
- Cut back in autumn and March/April
cherry laurel
The laurel cherry is the classic among the evergreen, fast-washing hedge plants. It is a real gem with glossy, dark green, almost leathery leaves all year round. Clustered, white flowers appear in May. From this, red berries develop towards autumn. Be careful, berries and leaves are poisonous.
- bot.: Prunus laurocerasus
- very hardy and very opaque
- heart root
- upright, bushy growth
- Growth height depending on the cut 300 to 400 cm
- Growth width 100 to 200 cm
- annual growth 30 to 50 cm
- Planting distance 30 to 50 cm
- low maintenance
- sunny to partially shaded location
- loves loose, nutrient-rich, somewhat loamy soil
- Water requirement low to medium
- Avoid waterlogging
- Fertilization in early June: manure, compost, horn shavings
- from August no more fertilization
- Cut back in spring
- Protection from the winter sun
photinia 'Red Robin'
This is a rather newer variety. The evergreen foliage is glossy, with the young shoots being reddish at first and then turning coppery-green. White flowers appear in pseudo-panicles between May and June. The resulting red berries are an extremely decorative winter ornament. The glossy medlar is conditionally hardy. Winter protection is recommended, especially for young plants in their first year.
- bot.: Photinia fraseri "Red Robin"
- loose, upright to broad bushy growth
- shallow roots
- Growth height 200 to 300 cm
- Growth width 120 to 200 cm
- annual growth 20 to 30 cm
- Planting distance 30 to 40 cm, 2 to 3 plants per meter
- sunny to semi-shady, sheltered location
- deep, humus-rich, lime-free, well-drained, moist soil
- no waterlogging
- low water requirement
- liquid fertilization in the spring
- Can also be used as a solitary and container plant
tip: Cut back moderately after flowering. Do not remove all inflorescences, otherwise berries will not form.
Oval-leaved privet
This privet variety is a popular wood for an evergreen, fast-growing hedge. Privet is very popular with gardeners. Growing freely, the hedge develops into a dense privacy screen. White paniculate flowers appear in June/July. This then develops into small black berries that are poisonous to humans and pets. The opposite, oblong, ovate leaves are lustrous and medium green in color.
- bot.: Ligustrum ovalifolium
- bushy, upright, slightly overhanging growth
- Growth height 300 to 500 cm
- Growth width 150 to 300 cm
- annual growth 20 to 40 cm
- sunny to partially shaded location
- no claims to soil
- resistant to fungal attack
- tolerates dry periods
- robust and hardy
- Cut back in autumn and March/April
- bee friendly
Firethorn
The wood is ideal for evergreen, fast-growing hedges. The rose plant forms a dense privacy screen in a very short time and is a popular place for birds to stay. The shoots have thorns and alternate, ovate, glossy dark green leaves. White cupped inflorescences appear from May to June. Orange spherical fruits develop from this.
- bot.: Pyracantha
- narrow, upright, sometimes sparse growth
- heart root
- Growth height 250 to 350 cm
- Growth width 200 to 250 cm
- three plants per meter
- annual growth 20 to 50 cm
- resistant to scab
- sunny to partially shaded location
- well-drained, moist soil
- should be slightly acidic to alkaline
- no waterlogging
- regular pruning after flowering
- in spring organic fertilization with compost
Holly 'Hedge Fairy'
The holly hedge develops into a windproof, dense privacy screen. The plant withstands temperatures down to -25 °C. The young shoots are copper-colored, later the leaves are narrowly elliptical, thorny, toothed and shiny dark green with a lighter underside. Inconspicuous green-white flowers also appear between May and June. This then develops into bright red berries. However, all parts of the plant are poisonous.
- bot.: Ilex meserveae "hedge fairy"
- compact, upright growth
- heart root
- well branched with a dense, even structure
- Growth height 200 to 300 cm
- Growth width 60 to 150 cm
- Planting distance 30 cm, 2 to 3 plants per meter
- annual growth 30 to 40 cm
- robust, healthy variety
- tolerates sun, partial shade and shade
- prefers nutrient-rich garden soil
- well suited for shaping
- low water requirement
tip: Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling.
Wintergreen oleaster
The oleaster has elliptical, leathery, glossy dark green leaves with brown-black spots and silvery undersides. There is a spike on each branch. Small, tubular, white flowers usually appear between October and November. They give off a pleasant scent. This then develops into red berries. When planting hedges, however, the formation of berries must be avoided due to the pruning. Oleasters are very wind resistant. In very cold winters, however, leaf shedding is possible.
- bot.: Elaeagnus ebbingei
- evergreen in mild areas
- tight upright growth
- older plants very broad bushy
- shallow roots
- Growth height 250 to 300 cm
- Growth width 300 cm
- 2 to 3 plants per meter
- annual growth 20 to 30 cm
- heat and wind resistant
- sunny, semi-shady or shady location
- normal garden soil
- tolerates nutrient deficiency
- good salt tolerance
- Cut back in autumn and March/April
- also suitable as a container plant
tip: Fast-growing evergreen hedges need regular watering, even in winter. The days must then be frost-free. The watering is best done in the early morning.