The Best Hedge Plants for Zone 3

Ribes alpinum

• Commonly known as Alpine Currant, this plant is very hardy, to temperatures as low as -50 degrees F, and will grow to 5 feet in height. The leaves are a beautiful shiny green and will form a dense hedge. It is also insect and drought tolerant. Plant in full sun or partial shade. According to the horticulturists at the University of Illinois, the planting of Ribes species is illegal in some areas of the United States. Check with your local cooperative extension or department of forestry before planting. The Alpine Currant is hardy to USDA Zones 2 to 7.

Crataegus crus-galli

• You may see a tag on this plant at the garden center that lists it as Cockspur Hawthorn. This member of the rose family is a small, ornamental tree that explodes with white flowers in the spring. It is drought tolerant, not picky about the soil in which it is planted and grows in either direct sun or partial shade. Reaching 12 to 15 feet in height, the Cockspur Hawthorn can be grown as a lone specimen or a screen or tall hedge. It is hardy to USDA Zones 3 to 7.

Syringa vulgaris

• If you are looking for a tall hedge plant you may want to consider the Syringa vulgaris, or Common Lilac, as it will grow to 15 feet. This is a deciduous shrub that is very hardy to USDA Zone 3. Native to Europe, it is generally grown for the fragrance of the flowers, which are a light purple and grow in clusters. Plant the Common Lilac in full sun to partial shade.