The Best Hedge Plants in Georgia

Little Gem Magnolia

• Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grand flora "Little gem") is considered the aristocrat of Southern landscapes. This is a smaller version of the magnolia tree, growing to a height of 15 to 20 feet with a spread of 10 feet. The little gem magnolia is an evergreen with leaves that are 4 to 6 inches long. The little gem magnolia has fragrant flowers in the summer and continues to flower into the fall. This plant grows well in full sun to partial shade. Although the little gem magnolia prefers acidic soil, it is adaptable to other areas.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

• Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a native shrub of Georgia. The oakleaf hydrangea blooms in the early summer with large, cone-shaped flowers. The bark is cinnamon colored, flaking in winter. This shrub grows to 4 and 6 feet tall and has a spread of 4 to 6 feet. This plant prefers moist well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

Fetterbush

• The fetterbush or pipestem (Agarista populifolia) is a shrub used to screen in patio areas or planted as a hedge. The fetterbush likes moist, well-drained soil. Although this hedge plant tolerates full sun, it prefers dappled shade or morning sun. The fetterbush is a multistage evergreen shrub that grows 9 to 15 feet tall.

Winterberry

• The winterberry (Ilex verticillata), from the family holly (Aquifoliaceae), is a hedge or screening plant. The winterberry bears flowers from April to May. If you want the winterberry to bear fruit, you need a male and female plant and then the berries will form on the female plants. Winterberries grow 8 to 10 feet tall and have a spread of 4 to 5 feet. The winterberry supplies food for wildlife.

Southern Wax Myrtle

• Southern Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera (Syn: Myrica cerifera) from the family Myrtle/Myricaceae, is an upright broadleaf evergreen. The twisted trunks is covered with smooth bark that is light gray in color. This hedge plant grows to 15 and 20 feet in height and spreads to 15 and 20 feet. The Southern wax myrtle has few pests. This hedge tree has male and female flowers on separate plants. Foliage and fruit are aromatic. This hedge plant will grow in a number of soil conditions.