Native species are hardy and easy to care for, making them ideal for hedging. Before creating, consider the characteristics of the species to create an attractive hedge.
Sloes are not only easy to care for, they also bloom beautifully
What distinguishes a low-maintenance hedge
An easy-care hedge consists of undemanding plants that adapt to the respective site conditions. They tolerate Central European weather conditions and are resistant to pathogens and pests. Native shrubs do not require any complex care measures. In order to create aesthetic hedges, one topiary per year is sufficient for many species. If you completely avoid pruning measures, you encourage a wild character and provide a valuable habitat for birds, insects and small mammals. Native woody species meet all the requirements of easy-care shrubs.
Instructions for planting
You can create deciduous hedges between October and November. This allows the trees to develop a fine root system over the winter. You should plant evergreen shrubs between August and September so that they can develop sufficient roots before the onset of winter. A number of four to five shrubs per square meter serves as a good guideline for creating a dense hedge. Note the different growth forms, bush heights and growth rates and adjust this guideline accordingly.
Prepare the ground
Loosen the soil over the entire area that will later be planted with shrubs. Remove weeds and improve the soil with compost. Dig planting pits according to the number of bushes. The holes should be twice the size of the root ball.
set shrubs
Prune the shrubs so they can focus on root growth. Loosen up the root ball and place it in the planting hole. The top of the bale should be slightly below the surface of the soil. Fill the planting pits with the excavated soil and water the shrubs deeply. The substrate is washed in so that the roots come into contact with the surrounding soil.
maintenance
Water young plants in the first year when dry periods are prolonged. Established shrubs easily tolerate water deficits. Cut back the shrubs in the fall after the bird nesting season. A topiary is sufficient for native trees. Leave the fallen leaves under the hedge in autumn. Foliage rots over the winter, allowing the shrubs to benefit from released nutrients the following spring. You don't have to fertilize the trees because they can draw sufficient nutrients from the substrate with their powerful root system.
Appropriate species
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and cornel (Cornus mas) produce densely growing hedges that do not make any special demands on the soil. Like the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), they develop edible fruits. The euonymus (Euonymus europaeus) bears aesthetic flowers between May and June, which produce sweet-smelling nectar. Berry bushes such as gooseberries, blackberries, raspberries or currants are suitable as low-maintenance hedges.
Easy-care climbing plants:
- Wild Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera)
- Ivy (Hedera helix)
- unfilled climbing roses (Rosa pimpinellifolia, Rosa canina)