Articles on Hedges | Topics: hedges, hedge, bushes, bush
by Ismael Rice
If you visit your local nursery you may come across many types of hedges. Some of the most interesting types you will find are of the short variety, also called dwarf hedges. If you are looking for a fence substitute, dwarf hedges may not be the best option. However, if you are simply adding to your landscape and want to use them ornamentally, height-challenged hedges can be just what you need.
One of the main reasons consumers purchase dwarf hedges is because they are perfect for small areas. If you want to add substance to your landscaping but already have a lot of the area planted, you can do so with short shrubs. Typically the dwarf variety will only grow to be a few feet high. Many other varieties of shrubs and hedges will grow to be around twenty feet high. You can add them in with your existing landscape to provide an updated look without being too fussy with your style. These petite hedges can be used in the same way their taller counterparts can be used. They are only on a smaller scale.
One popular use for a dwarf shrub is in the front of a home. If you have low windows that you would like to place landscaping in front of, you can use these without worry. They will not grow so big that they will cover the entire window. They may however grow just enough to provide extra shading and added curb appeal. You can use them along the sides of your home as well. Any place in which you don't want a tall hedge, a dwarf hedge can be used instead.
A great thing about dwarf hedges is that they come in lovely varieties, some of which are very pretty to view. One type, the ninebark dwarf, is among the most popular species. Like all other dwarf shrubs, it is small and can be used anywhere in your yard. It has small green foliage and contains small white flowers in the spring. One interesting thing about this type of shrub is that its bark peels in the winter. This hardy shrub loves full to partial sun and will grow almost anywhere. Small birds love it for its protection and you will love it for its cute flowers and hardy attitude.
| Historical Quote |
True variety is in that plenitude of real and unexpected elements, in the branch charged with blue flowers thrusting itself, against all expectations, from the springtime hedge which seems already too full, while the purely formal imitation of variety ... is but void and uniformity, that is, that which is most opposed to variety....
| —Marcel Proust (1871–1922) |
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The dwarf blue leaf Arctic willow is also a very popular option in this short variety. It is probably so popular because it grows extremely fast compared to others. This type of hedge will grow even in the wettest soil conditions, which makes it perfect for marshy or wetland areas. The stems are skinny and will gracefully sway in the wind. The hedge gets its name due to its bluish green coloring.
If you want to add a little "wall" to your home, dwarf shrubs are perfect for this task. You can use them like full sized shrubs and create a barrier between your property line and your neighbor's. Of course, they won't grow as tall as the regular variety, but they will be just as beautiful. Just like their taller versions, dwarf hedges require very little maintenance. They do need to be planted with plenty of room for their roots to grow. They should be planted only a few inches into the soil however. Just like regular hedges, they do not require extra watering and will thrive on rainwater. They do need to be pruned occasionally, especially if you want them to maintain a specific shape.
Another great way to use these petite hedges is to build them around an existing flower garden. You can enclose any garden with these hedges to offer a more private and professional look to your yard. Place a lovely sitting bench in the middle and you will feel like you have your own secret garden. Dwarf hedges are also a great way to attract small wildlife to your yard. Although they will not bring in the amount of wildlife the larger hedges will, you will still see an increase in bird activity and other small wildlife activity in your yard when you use these lovely little hedges. Overall, if you are looking for a way to add the appeal of hedges to your home, but would rather work on a smaller scale, dwarf shrubs are the best way to go.
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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Height-Challenged Hedges – What These Short Shrubs Add to your Landscaping" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FlowersPlantsGardening.com. |
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