Hedging –Fact Sheet

Hedging plants as seen on The Garden Gurus’ Dawson’s segment 10/9/05

Bush Christmas: Very versatile and easy to grow, hedging . Through regular clipping it can be maintained at any desired height from 1 to 3 metres high. Compact dense habit, make this plant excellent for clipping into a hedge. It is also an ideal plant for topiary and straining into standards. Attractive, glossy foliage. New growth is tinted orange-bronze particularly during the winter months. Grows in full sun to semi shade positions.

Laurustinus: Attractive evergreen hedging/ screening plant growing to 3m high by 3 metres wide (narrower is trained by clipping). Hardy . Attractive green foliage and clusters of small white during late winter and spring.

Myrtus ( ): Medium to tall, evergreen hedge or screen. Small green, aromatic foliage and small white flowers from mid summer to mid autumn can be maintained by clipping at any desired height from 1 to 4-5 metres. Grows in full sun to semi shade.

Tiny Trev: Hardy dwarf evergreen shrub, ideal for low hedges. Grows between 30cm and 75cm high. Best gown in open sunny positions, as it may tend to open up too much in semi shade. Very compact habit, with small glossy foliage.

Hedging for Success: Blend Dawson’s Organic Soil Improver in with your existing soil at the rate of 1/3 soil improver to 2/3 existing soil. Apex slow release fertiliser and water saving granules should be mixed in, as per directions. Once planted apply a waterwise mulch, keeping it away from the plant stems. Water freshly planted hedges regularly; every second day or so over their first summer and autumn in the garden. Once hedges are well established they’ll happily survive on two good deep soaks a week.

Initial Training: After planting, clip to shape, making sure side and tops are clipped evenly (use a string line). This is essential to ensure that the hedge stays bushy at the base. Maintenance: Clip hedges every 6-8 weeks to maintain shape and vigour. More informal hedges may only need pruning once or twice a year. The base of the hedge should be maintained slightly wider than the top. This make the hedge for wind resistant and allows light to reach the lower branches.

DAWSONS GARDEN WORLD • 160 Hale Rd, Forrestfield Ph: 9453 6533 Fax: 9453 9520 • 153 Railway St, Swanbourne Ph:9384 9652 Fax: 9383 2108 • 179 Winton Avenue, Joondalup Ph: 9300 0733 Fax: 9300 1244 • 388 South St, O’Connor Ph: 9384 9652 Fax: 9314 7264