Best 7 Low Maintenance Hedging Plants For Your Garden
Hedges are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add privacy, definition, and beauty to their outdoor spaces. However, traditional hedges can require a lot of time and effort to maintain.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to spend hours pruning and trimming your hedges, consider using low maintenance plants instead.
Low maintenance hedges are easy to care for, require minimal pruning, and can still provide all the benefits of traditional hedges.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 low maintenance hedging plants and provide tips on how to care for them.
Here are our top 7 picks for low maintenance hedging plants that will thrive with minimal care.
The 7 Low Maintenance Hedging Plants For Your Garden
1. Osmanthus
Osmanthus is an ideal selection for hedging due to its low-maintenance and evergreen tendencies, providing a neat and uniform growth pattern.
This slow-growing species can reach heights of up to 4m, and its dense foliage offers a high degree of privacy.
The bloom of small, white flowers it produces in the spring months brings a sweet and delicate aroma that is widely appreciated by gardeners, and it requires minimal pruning to thrive.
Osmanthus is highly resilient and can endure a wide range of soil environments, making it an excellent option for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.
2. Pyracantha
Pyracantha is an ideal choice for low maintenance hedging, as it requires very little pruning to remain tidy.
Its deep green foliage is evergreen, providing year-round color, and its thick branches make it an excellent windbreak.
It is also very easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of soils and climates.
Pyracantha is most notable for its spectacular display of bright red, yellow, or orange berries in autumn and winter, providing an attractive food source for birds and other wildlife.
With its low-maintenance needs and eye-catching blooms, pyracantha is an excellent choice for low-maintenance hedging.
3. Photinia
Photinia is a great low maintenance hedging plant that is highly adaptable and evergreen.
It is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of up to 4 meters with a width of 1.5-2 meters.
It has glossy green foliage, clusters of white flowers that bloom in spring, and bright red berries that last through winter.
Photinia is a great choice for a hedge as it is easy to prune, tolerant of most soils, and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. It is also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
4. Hedera
Hedera, also known as English Ivy, is an evergreen climbing and trailing vine that can make an excellent low maintenance hedge.
It is hardy and low-maintenance, and it is also attractive and often provides the year-round color.
Plus, it can be used in shady areas, where other hedging plants may struggle. Hedera grows quickly and is easy to shape.
It can be trimmed to any size and shape you desire, making it a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance hedge with a bit of pizzazz.
5. Lonicera
Lonicera is a genus of woody, semi-evergreen vines or shrubs.
It is an excellent low maintenance hedge plant, as it is able to withstand a variety of climatic conditions, and can thrive in moist, well-drained soil.
Lonicera is a good choice for hedges in areas where there is a lot of wind, as it is able to tolerate salt and windy conditions.
The Lonicera is a fast-growing plant, and it will quickly fill in the gaps in any hedge.
Its dense foliage provides a good privacy screen, and its fragrant white flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden.
6. Pyracantha
Pyracantha is a low maintenance hedging plant that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is noted for its evergreen foliage and abundant clusters of bright berries which can be used to create stunning displays in the garden.
It is known to be extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for those who don’t have much time to maintain their garden.
It is also a great choice for larger gardens due to its fast growth rate, allowing it to quickly create a thick and dense hedge. Pyracantha is low maintenance and can be easily pruned annually to keep it neat and tidy.
It also has excellent disease resistance and can thrive in a range of soil types making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a low maintenance hedging option.
Pyracantha is also a fast-growing plant and can reach heights of up to 8 feet. It also serves as an excellent security hedge as its thorns are a deterrent to intruders.
Pyracantha is also a low-allergen plant and deer-resistant, making it an ideal choice for a low maintenance hedge.
7. Ligustrum
Ligustrum is a popular choice for landscaping due to its low-maintenance nature and attractive foliage. This genus of evergreen shrubs or small trees can reach heights of up to 15 feet and features bright green, glossy leaves which create a lush effect.
Ligustrum is an ideal choice for hedging, given its ability to tolerate a variety of soils and climates. Furthermore, its drought tolerance allows it to thrive on minimal water once it has become established.
Ligustrum is an ideal selection for those seeking to bring a refined, polished look to their outdoor space. Its ease of trimming makes it an excellent option for cutting into shapes, allowing for effortless customization of one’s landscape.
As a low-maintenance hedging plant, Ligustrum is the perfect choice for anyone seeking to add texture and beauty to their garden.
8. Thyme
Thymus vulgaris, also known as Thyme, is a popular low-maintenance hedging plant. This aromatic evergreen shrub has a mounding, spreading growth habit, making it an ideal choice for filling out a hedge.
It can be sheared to maintain a desired shape and size, though it doesn’t require much pruning. Thymus vulgaris is hardy and drought tolerant, making it a perfect choice for landscaping in areas with dry soil or limited water availability.
It also has a high resistance to pests and diseases, making it very low maintenance. Thymus vulgaris is a great choice for adding texture and color to a hedge, as its variegated foliage is attractive year-round.
In conclusion,
Low-maintenance hedging plants are a great choice for any home garden. They are easy to care for, require little maintenance, and can provide a beautiful and lush backdrop for your outdoor space.
Not only do these plants provide a visual barrier, but they can also reduce noise, improve air quality, and provide privacy from the outside world.
With a little research and careful selection, you can find the perfect low maintenance hedging plant for your home garden.
The 7 Best Small Hedge Plants
Property owners who wish to add a touch of vibrancy and class to their outdoor spaces may find small hedge plants to be the ideal choice, as they provide an aesthetically pleasing look without the need for a large financial commitment.
When considering ways to enhance an outdoor living space, hedges can offer a sense of privacy, block unwanted views, and add a touch of charm.
To ensure the right type of hedge plant is chosen for specific needs, it is important to carefully assess the available options.
Below we’ll be exploring the best small hedge plants for different climates and different outdoor spaces.
We’ll look at easy-to-maintain plants for sun and shade, low and high-maintenance options, and native species which will help create an inviting atmosphere for birds and other wildlife.
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option for a public space, or a more dedicated choice for a private garden, there’s sure to be a small hedge plant that fits the bill.
1. Hicksii Yew Hedging Plants
The Hicksii Yew hedging plants are one of the best small hedge plants available on the market. This evergreen shrub is known for its dark green foliage, which is kept neat and tidy all year round.
This is an ideal choice for creating a low-maintenance hedge in gardens of all sizes. This shrub can be planted as a single specimen, pruned into a formal hedge, or allowed to grow into a natural, informal shape.
It is also extremely hardy, able to survive in a wide range of climates, soil types, and levels of sunlight. Its dark green colour provides a stunning contrast to lighter foliage and flowers, making it a great choice to add structure and colour to any landscaping project.
2. Griselinia Hedging Plants
Griselinia hedging plants are an excellent choice for small hedges. They are fast growing evergreen shrubs, growing 6 to 8 feet tall, and can be easily trimmed to create a neat and tidy hedge.
Griselinia hedges provide a dense wall of foliage, making them an effective windbreak, and can also be used as a privacy screen.
The glossy, dark green foliage is long-lasting and makes an attractive addition to any garden. Griselinia hedging plants are easy to care for, needing only occasional pruning to keep their shape.
3. Quickthorn Hedging (Hawthorn Hedges)
Quickthorn Hedging is a popular choice for small hedges. Quickthorn is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub that is easy to maintain.
Its small white flowers, followed by red berries in autumn, create an attractive display. The thorns on its stems provide an excellent deterrent to intruders.
Quickthorn hedges can be used to create attractive boundaries, windbreaks, and screens. They are perfect for small spaces, as they can be kept at a manageable height and width.
Planting multiple specimens will create a thick hedge. Quickthorn is also very low maintenance, requiring just a yearly prune to keep it looking tidy.
4. Hornbeam Hedging
Hornbeam hedging is an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance small hedge plant that maintains its form without rigorous pruning.
Its slow growth rate and mature height of 2-3 metres make it a great option for creating a smart, orderly hedge with a uniform texture.
Hornbeam hedges are an ideal choice for delineating garden beds or adding a decorative touch to pathways and driveways.
With its distinctive oval-shaped, dark green leaves which turn yellow in autumn, and its springtime small flowers which are followed by clusters of edible nuts in the autumn, this hedge is an excellent addition to any landscape.
5. Photinia Hedging
Photinia hedging is a popular choice that provides visual interest and texture to gardens of any size. Its evergreen foliage and glossy, vibrant leaves make it especially well-suited for small hedges, but its versatility also makes it an excellent choice for low hedges, informal hedges, and as a topiary.
It is an easy-to-maintain plant that grows quickly and is known for its low maintenance requirements. Photinia hedging is an ideal choice for privacy and provides a thick, dense hedge that is perfect for blocking out unwanted views.
Its bright red foliage and dark green leaves also make it a great ornamental hedge that adds a splash of color to any garden. Photinia hedging is a great choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful and low maintenance hedge on a small scale.
6. Laurel Hedging
Laurel hedging is a popular choice for small hedging needs. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can be grown up to one meter in height in a single year.
The glossy leaves of this plant also make it a decorative option for gardens. The plant is also very tolerant of pruning and shaping, making it easy to maintain and keep tidy.
Because of its fast growth rate, laurel hedging is a great choice for gardeners who want an instant hedge with minimal effort. It can also be used to create stunning topiary shapes, providing a vibrant living sculpture in your garden.
7. Lavender Hedging
Lavender hedging is one of the best small hedge plants for a variety of reasons. Lavender is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that requires little pruning, grows quickly, and blooms with fragrant purple flowers in the summertime.
Lavender also acts as a natural repellent for pests, making it an ideal choice for any garden. Moreover, it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in many soil types, making it a great choice for areas with limited water supply.
If you’re looking for a small hedge plant that is easy to care for and looks beautiful, lavender hedging is a great option.
As you can see, there are many hedge plants to choose from that can fit small spaces. From evergreen shrubs to flowering plants, there are options for any style of garden or yard.
Hedges can also provide privacy, increase the value of a property, and reduce noise. When deciding on the best hedge plant for your space, consider the size, required maintenance, and desired look.
With the right plant, you can create the perfect border to add beauty and value to your outdoor space.
7 Reasons why small hedging plants are perfect for your garden
There are countless benefits that come with having hedges in your garden. For one, they can provide privacy and block out noise from the outside world.
Additionally, hedges can act as windbreaks, protecting your home and garden from strong gusts of wind.
Hedges can also provide homes for wildlife, and create a lovely green backdrop for your garden.
Here are 7 reasons why small hedging plants are perfect for your garden:
1. They take up less space: Ideal for smaller gardens, small hedging plants offer the perfect solution to maximize space.
These plants require minimal room, leaving you with plenty of freedom to design and cultivate your garden as you wish.
2. They’re easy to care for: Small hedges are relatively simple to maintain. They require significantly less trimming and attention than larger hedges, thus making them a more convenient choice.
3. They’re affordable: Small hedging plants can be cheaper than large ones, and you can save money by buying them in quantity.
They’re easy to find, too. You can often find small hedging plants at your local nursery or garden center.
Small hedging plants have a number of advantages over their larger counterparts. For one thing, they’re less expensive.
You can also save money by buying them in quantity. And they’re easy to find; you can often find small hedging plants at your local nursery or garden center.
But the most important advantage of small hedging plants is that they’re easier to care for.
4. They provide privacy without blocking out the light: Small hedging plants are an excellent way to create privacy in your yard without blocking out light.
They can be planted close together to create a dense hedge, or spaced further apart for a more open look.
Green is the most popular color for hedges, but you can also find them in white, pink, or even purple.
Hedges can be trimmed into a variety of shapes, from simple squares and rectangles to more intricate designs.
5. They are an attractive border for your garden: Small hedging plants are an attractive way to create a border for your garden.
By using different types and heights of plants, you can create a pleasing and unique garden border that will add interest and texture to your garden.
Hedges can be planted in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one to suit your garden.
6. They are easy to grow: Small hedging plants are easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Boxwood, yew, and holly are all good choices for a small hedge. When selecting a plant for your hedge, make sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size and type of hedge you want to create.
7. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways: small hedging plants can be used to create boundaries, privacy screens, windbreaks, and even accent plants.
10 Low-Growing Hedging Plants That Will Make Your Garden Pop!
Adding a hedge to your garden can be a great way to add privacy and style to your outdoor space.
Low-growing hedging plants can provide you with a way to add interest to your garden without taking up too much space.
From evergreen shrubs to flowering plants, there are a variety of hedging plants to choose from that will bring your garden to life.
We will be discussing 12 of the most popular low growing hedging plants that will make your garden pop below.
From their appearance and maintenance to their shape and size, each of these plants has something special to offer.
Whether it’s a colorful display of flowers or a lush evergreen backdrop, they’re sure to bring a unique beauty to your garden.
We’ll discuss how to best care for and use each of these plants so you can get the most out of your garden.
So, if you’re looking to add a bit of interest and drama to your garden, the low-growing hedging plants we have below will do just that.
1. Hypericum calycinum
Hypericum calycinum, also known as St. John’s Wort, is a low growing, evergreen shrub that is often used for hedging.
It is a hardy, low maintenance plant that is capable of withstanding a range of conditions, including partial shade and frost. It has a dense growth habit and produces showy, yellow flowers from mid-summer to early autumn.
The flowers are followed by a display of round, dark red berries. This shrub is a great choice for low growing hedges as it does not require regular pruning or shearing.
It also provides a pleasant, soft, and natural contrast to other plants in a garden or landscape. Hypericum calycinum is an easy-to-care-for, attractive shrub that is perfect for creating a unique and stunning low hedge.
2. Mugwort
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is an attractive low growing plant that can make a great hedging option.
It has a bushy, open habit and is easy to maintain with regular pruning.
The silvery green foliage emits a pleasant scent and its yellow flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow to a height of 12-60”. Mugwort is also a drought-tolerant plant and can be grown in a variety of soils and climates.
It is a great choice for a low hedge and can also be used as an ornamental plant in the garden.
Although it can spread and become invasive in some areas, it can easily be managed with regular pruning.
3. Shrub roses
Shrub roses are a popular choice for low growing hedging plants. They provide a beautiful, colorful barrier to a garden, and are easy to care for.
Shrub roses are disease-resistant, drought tolerant, and require minimal pruning. They can survive in a variety of soil types and conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
The blooms of these roses typically range from white to deep red, giving a vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic.
Shrub roses are also great for attracting birds, bees, and other beneficial wildlife. Their low-growing, dense foliage acts as a protective barrier for other plants as well.
With their low maintenance and attractive features, shrub roses make an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
4. Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula) is a low growing hedging plant that is widely used in gardens and landscaping.
It has a distinct purple flower that produces a sweet, calming aroma and is drought and frost tolerant.
When planted close together, it forms an effective hedge that can create a visually appealing barrier between neighboring properties.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, Lavender is also easy to maintain and requires minimal pruning, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
It’s a great way to add a fragrant, low maintenance touch of color to any garden or landscape.
5. Sarcococca confusa
Sarcococca confusa, more commonly known as ‘Sweet Box’, is a highly sought-after evergreen, low-growing hedging plant.
Its glossy leaves give it a stunning aesthetic when used as a ground cover for borders and pathways.
Not only is this species visually appealing, but its sweetly-scented white flowers give a warm, cheery feel to any outdoor space, blooming during the winter and spring months.
This hardy, drought-tolerant plant is capable of thriving in a variety of soil conditions, from acidic to chalky. Its low-maintenance requirements make it ideal for any garden, necessitating only occasional trimming and pruning.
Sarcococca confusa is the perfect choice for gardeners looking to create an attractive, low-growing hedge, as it is easy to care for and provides year-round interest.
6. Ilex crenata
Ilex crenata, or Japanese holly, is a versatile hedge plant that is well suited to many landscaping projects.
Its evergreen leaves are a glossy, deep green and remain throughout the year.
Its compact, mounding growth habit makes it an excellent choice for low growing hedges, as it can be easily pruned and maintained.
Its fragrant white flowers, followed by black berries, add seasonal interest to the landscape.
Japanese holly is tolerant of a wide range of soils and weather conditions, making it a popular choice for those looking for an easy-care hedge.
Its tolerance of pruning also makes it perfect for forming intricate shapes and topiary.
With its low maintenance and versatility, Ilex crenata is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low growing hedge plant.
Related Low Maintenance Hedging Plants Post:
7 Amazing Hedging Plants For Privacy And Screening
10 Fast Growing Hedges For Privacy For Your Garden
14 Best Privacy Shrubs Evergreen for Your Home
7. Hebe
Hebe is a low growing, evergreen hedging plant that is native to New Zealand.
It is a popular choice for hedging due to its fast rate of growth and its lovely, small, dark green leaves.
It is highly frosted tolerant, making it a great choice for gardens in cooler climates, and it also thrives in full sun or partial shade.
It is easy to maintain and is a great option for gardeners looking for a low maintenance hedge that can provide year-round color and texture.
Hebe will also flower in the summer with attractive, fragrant, small purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
All in all, Hebe is an ideal hedging plant for many gardens, providing all-season color, texture, and an attractive backdrop.
8. Pittosporum
Pittosporum is an evergreen low growing hedging plant ideal for gardeners who wish to create a neat and tidy border for their garden.
It can be easily pruned to create the desired shape and is suitable for a wide range of garden types and soil conditions.
It has a moderate growth rate, meaning it’s easy to keep under control and is drought-tolerant once established.
Pittosporum is available in a range of sizes and shapes, from low-growing mounding varieties to tall columnar plants, making it a great choice for hedging.
Its glossy green foliage is also attractive and aromatic, adding a delightful scent to the outdoor space.
Pittosporum is a great choice for low maintenance gardeners who want a neat and tidy look to their outdoor space.
9. Euonymus
Euonymus is a popular low growing hedging plant that is well-suited to a variety of gardens.
This woody shrub is known for its evergreen foliage, which is often variegated with shades of yellow, green, and white.
It can be pruned to control its growth habit and is often used to form a neat hedge or backdrop.
Euonymus is a hardy variety that can tolerate periods of drought and a wide range of soil types.
It is also relatively low-maintenance, and can thrive with minimal care.
When planted in a sunny spot, Euonymus will bloom with small, inconspicuous white flowers in the springtime.
This attractive plant is an excellent choice for any garden and is sure to be a source of year-round interest and beauty.
10. Lonicera pileata
Lonicera pileata (also known as evergreen honeysuckle) is a low growing hedging plant that is an ideal choice for landscape projects.
It is a tough and hardy evergreen with a dense, compact habit that forms an attractive, low-maintenance hedge.
Its glossy, dark green leaves are complemented by creamy white flowers that turn into black berries in autumn.
The plant is tolerant of full sun to partial shade and prefers moist well-drained soil.
Lonicera pileata is an excellent choice to create a low growing hedge with minimal effort, as it can be clipped to shape and will grow back quickly.
It can also be used as an informal groundcover and will form a dense carpet over time.
Low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing, Lonicera pileata is an ideal hedging plant for landscaping projects.
Related Questions
What is the easiest hedge to maintain?
There is a variety of hedging shrubs that are relatively easy to maintain. Some of the easiest hedges to maintain include boxwood (Buxus spp.), yew (Taxus spp.), privet (Ligustrum spp.), and holly (Ilex spp.).
Each of these evergreen plants for hedges has a unique set of characteristics that make them easy to care for.
Boxwood hedges are some of the easiest to maintain because they are slow-growing and can be easily trimmed into shape.
Yew hedges are also easy to maintain because they are slow-growing and can tolerate heavy pruning.
Privet hedges are easy to maintain because they are fast-growing and can be easily trimmed into shape.
What is the fastest-growing hedge for privacy?
The following is a list of the fastest-growing hedges plants for privacy: Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, Emerald Green Arborvitae, American Holly, and Nellie Stevens Holly.
These are all evergreen trees that can grow very quickly, providing privacy in a short amount of time.
Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress are the fastest-growing of the bunch, while American Holly and Nellie Stevens Holly grow a bit slower but can still reach heights of over 30 feet.
All of these trees are also relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for those who want privacy without having to put in a lot of work.
What are the most popular leafy hedge plants?
There are many different types of leafy hedge plants that can be used to create a beautiful and lush hedge. Some of the most popular varieties include boxwood, holly, yew, and privet.
Each of these plants has distinct characteristics that make it a good choice for a hedge. For example, boxwood is a very dense and compact plant that makes it ideal for creating a formal hedge.
Holly is a very hardy plant that can withstand a lot of abuse, making it a good choice for an informal hedge.
Yew is a very fast-growing plant that can quickly fill in a hedge. Privet is a very low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of upkeep.
What are the best low hedge plants for winter?
There are a few different types of plants that make good low hedges for winter. Some of the best include:
– Boxwood: This is a good choice for a low hedge because it is evergreen and can withstand cold temperatures.
– Yew: Another evergreen plant, yew is also a good choice for a low hedge because it is very dense and can block out wind and snow.
– Holly: Holly is a good choice for a low hedge because it is very hardy and can withstand cold temperatures and heavy snow.
– Pyracantha: This is a good choice for low garden hedges because it is evergreen and has sharp thorns that can deter intruders.
I have below more list of the best low hedge plants for winter.
Skimmia japonica
Berberis thunbergii
Ilex crenata
Euonymus japonicus
Buxus sempervirens
Lonicera nitida
Pyracantha coccinea
Ilex aquifolium
Cotoneaster lacteus
Juniperus scopulorum
Mahonia japonica
Japanese holly
