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What Kind of Hedge Will Not Lose Its Leaves?

Hedges provide distinct division in a yard and can add a touch of crispness and definition. There are four families of hedges. The first are deciduous hedges, which lose foliage regularly and look bare and dead in the winter. Broad-leaf evergreen shrubs keep waxy foliage year round. Ferns make a cold-hardy hedge that grows slowly but remains green year round. Finally, conifer hedges have needle leaves that are kept year round and resemble a Christmas tree. When choosing a hedge that will not lose its leaves, there are some important factors to consider.

  1. Light

    • Go outside and study which direction the planting site is facing. Consider the amount of sun and shade that the area receives as well as how harsh the summer sun is in your location. If you have extreme summer temperatures or long periods of drought, broad-leaf evergreens are not ideal for your climate and will not thrive. For hot climates, there are plenty of conifers that thrive, such as various forms of juniper hedges. For areas that have partial shade, broad-leaf hedges work best, as they absorb more light through their leaves than conifers. For climates with harsh winters, ferns are ideal for their cold-hardiness.

    Height and Spread

    • As a general rule, taller hedges look best with taller homes. If you have a two-story house, then some hedges to consider would be goliath ferns, mugo pine or most juniper bushes. For foundations, you’ll want a hedge that has an optimal horizontal spread such as glossy abelia, boxwood or juniper. For shorter houses or basic beds, consider standard ferns and Japanese holly.

    Soil

    • While soil can be amended, you must also consider the overall layout of the area. If your soil is clay or compacted, conifers such as pines will not thrive. In fact, the most common cause of discoloration in a pine is too much water at its feet. Instead, try inkberry or buttonbush. For sandy soil that does not hold moisture well, use boxwood or Japanese holly for its drought tolerance.

    Local Advice

    • Every area’s weather, soil conditions and pest considerations are different. While the USDA hardiness zone guidelines may cover winter temperatures, consult a local gardening expert for advice on the best shrubs for your area. Otherwise, you may find yourself pulling the shrubs out after a few months.

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