"Natural" hedge.

I need ideas. I need to plant a large reasonably fast growing hedge on the west border of my garden as a form of wind protection (trees are not an option). I don't want a clipped hedge but a large, wavy, natural growing hedge where I can prune the single plants selectively to keep them tolerably juvenile. Space is not a problem, it can grow 2 meters wide or more and we still have plenty of space. Budget is next to zero, so I have been taking cuttings from plants in the garden and fields to raise the necessary plants. These are forsithia, white flowering lilac and elder (green leaved and purple leaved "Black Beauty"... this may sound weird, but the thing is, I love elder). Now, what I would like is something blooming in late summer that can compete in vigour with all these things and not be swamped, and the only thing I can think of is Buddleia, god help me. Any better ideas? I would haveto buy a plant and raise more from cuttings.

 

Crikey, you don't want much do you!!! Hydranga?? Piris...but I don't know how fast they grow.

 

I'd be inclined to put some Laurel in there too ... if you see some bits to snap-off on your travels!

Dogwood any good? You can cut that down hard-ish in spring, and the twiggy stuff that comes up will be pretty dense, and nice coloured stems in Winter.

Now, what was the question? "Blooming in late summer" ... not doing a very good job on that one, sorry!

How about:

Viburnum Laurustinus (is that Portuguese laurel?) Might do instead of Laurel.
Cotinus
Arbutus unedo
Clereodendron
One of the taller Escallonias or Contoneasters
Elaegnus ebbingii
Magnolia (grandiflora I presume)

 

"hydrangeas that would grow tall enough"

Paniculata should be good for 7' I think

 

Must have some sloe. Not very interesting in the Winter, but very early striking white blossom, attractive leaves in Summer and the benefit of sloe gin making in the Autumn! Not a brilliant wind break, but excellent for security!

For quick, temporary cover and Summer/Autumn flowers why not try Jerusalem Artichoke? Very invasive, but a good screen (and you can eat the tubers).

Hops will give you good Summer/Autumn screening, but it chokes everything else and the dead stuff looks scruffy in the Winter

 

I agree with Escallonia and there`s Fuchsia magellanica. Possibly Tamarix and maybe even Fabiana.:thumb:

 

Rosa Rugosa, flowers followed by hips to keep a bit of interest. They have used them as a hedge on one of the housing estates near here. Mostly shades of pink and red and also white.

Agree with Elder as long as you intend to brew some elderberry vino collapso. (maybe get the contract to supply Tweaky's Pop Inn.

Some honeysuckle and/or Jasmin to clamber over the other plants and give some extra flower power, rambling or even some species roses would also add some colour, e.g Rosa Canina, Rosa Canina Hibernica, Rosa Gallica Complicata, these roses bloom in June in UK probably about the same where you are, most have a good show of hips in the autumn.

 

Hi Ivory,

How is your part of the world? Been okayish here but anyway, thanks for the hydrangea heads up and one good turn deserves another so my favourite hedge plant which is hard to beat for being in a windy spot is bridal wreath. It doesn`t look much at first but about 1-2 years in it becomes exactly what you seem to have asked for. The wind makes it dance and sway, and in spring it is covered in beautiful petite white flowerets. Itcan get about as high as you want it to be yet never makes it difficult to plant around it should you want a poppy or two for summer.

I could kick myself because only this weekend gone I pruned mine otherwise I would have posted a pic of how lovely it actually is as a hedge plant.

I just have to nominate it for consideration.

Regards

 

Pyracantha?

 

berberis stenophulous or however you say it