Many of us like the look and/or privacy a hedge can provide. In planning your hedge it is important to choose a variety of plants to accomplish the job.
A monoculture hedge does have a few problems. What if an insect or disease strikes your hedge? All of your shrubs could be lost or you could end up with random large dead holes.
A better alternative is to plant a hedge using a variety of large and small shrubs and trees. Generally, something that requires screening will need it the year round, so evergreens naturally predominate in any list of screening plants. But don’t be afraid to add a deciduous plant. A few deciduous plants can provide wonderful color.
When choosing plants for screening, check the available space carefully and know the mature height and width of the plant. Be sure that the plants you choose will fit in the allotted space without an undue amount of maintenance. If you have to frequently prune your plants to keep them in check, it’s more than likely you used the wrong plant for that location. Also, when mixing several different types of plants, be sure to choose ones with similar growth and water requirements.
The choice of plants for a screen is practically unlimited. Flowering shrubs can be used effectively. For something a little unusual, add a fruiting plant to your hedge. For a change in texture, consider adding ornamental grasses. Don’t forget our native plants. A Florida Friendly Landscape attracts wildlife - this is a great opportunity to supply food and shelter.
Using one variety of shrub to make a wall or screen is a monoculture hedge.
A monoculture hedge does have a few problems. What if an insect or disease strikes your hedge? All of your shrubs could be lost or you could end up with random large dead holes.A better alternative is to plant a hedge using a variety of large and small shrubs and trees. Generally, something that requires screening will need it the year round, so evergreens naturally predominate in any list of screening plants. But don’t be afraid to add a deciduous plant. A few deciduous plants can provide wonderful color.
When choosing plants for screening, check the available space carefully and know the mature height and width of the plant. Be sure that the plants you choose will fit in the allotted space without an undue amount of maintenance. If you have to frequently prune your plants to keep them in check, it’s more than likely you used the wrong plant for that location. Also, when mixing several different types of plants, be sure to choose ones with similar growth and water requirements.
The choice of plants for a screen is practically unlimited. Flowering shrubs can be used effectively. For something a little unusual, add a fruiting plant to your hedge. For a change in texture, consider adding ornamental grasses. Don’t forget our native plants. A Florida Friendly Landscape attracts wildlife - this is a great opportunity to supply food and shelter.For help with plant selection visit the Plant Database at http://www.floridayards.org/ or consult the UF Florida Friendly Plant List at fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/list.pdf. If you would like more information about the Florida-Friendly Landscape recognition program please visit manatee.ifas.ufl.edu and browse the FYN Program or call Michelle Atkinson at 941-722-4524
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