Screens/Hedges Deciduous
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| Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is a very familiar hedge. The density of its branches provides a partial screen, even in winter. It grows best in loamy or heavy soil, often showing stress in dry summers or sandy soil. Although burning bush will thrive in partial shade, it achieves its best fall red color in full sun. It can grow 10' tall and wide if left untrimmed. Trimming about one third of large, older stems before leaves emerge is the best way to keep the plant vigorous. |
| Forsythia "intermedia" is a fast-growing hedge whose stems, as well as foliage, provide a great privacy screen. They put on a spectacular show of yellow flowers in early spring. They do well in wet or dry conditions, as long as it is not too extreme, in full sun. Newer varieties seem less affected by winter cold in terms of providing good flowershows each spring. Forsythia can get taller than 10' and hard pruning is necessary to keep them vigorous. Pruning should be done immediately after flowers drop. Late fall or early spring pruning can reduce flowering. They are pretty much insect and disease free. |
| Privet "Ligustrum Ovalifolium" is not my favorite hedge plant, but makes a great, formal, deciduous hedge. Near the coast, it can reach 8' tall, but inland it gets stunted and sometimes killed by cold winters with little snow cover. The bight green foliage is very cheerful all summer and sets off white June flowers. In the fall, the leaves turn beet burgundy. This plant lends itself easily to shearing and stays very dense. It is soil adaptable, but needs full sun to stay thick, but can tolerate some shade. |
| Berberis "Barberry Royal Burgundy" Makes an Informal boundary hedge, typical hedge height: 3/4' or more. Native plant, with beautiful red coloring Spring through fall. Full sun preferable, but will take some shade. |
