How to Grow a Tall Hedge in the Shade in Southern California

Choose a variety of hedge that grows in the Southern California heat as well as in the shade. Shrubs and hedge varieties that fit this description include Spiraea douglasii, c.n. Western Spiraea; Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus, c.n. Snowberry, Vaccinium ovatum, c.n.Huckleberry; and Podocarpus maki, c.n. Shrubby Yew Pine.

Plant your hedge in a shady area. Choose a hedge already relatively full-grown so that you do not have to wait years for it to stand tall.

Dig a hole or trench with a shovel to plant your hedge. Confirm that the entire root system of the hedge will go underground. Do not plant it too close to another hedge or plant if you want it to grow tall. It needs space to be able to grow a large root system to support its height.

Trim your hedge minimally so that it continues to stay tall. Too much pruning will cause the hedge to take longer to grow. Trim it a little once or twice a year, however, because this stimulates new growth.

Water your hedge regularly. The amount will vary depending on the variety that you choose, just make sure that it gets enough water to grow tall. Plan to water it at least a few times per week until it's saturated.