A hibiscus hedge is a good choice to create sheltered spaces in the garden for relaxing moments and to isolate yourself from prying eyes in summer.
Why is a hibiscus hedge a good privacy screen?
A hibiscus hedge offers an attractive privacy screen in summer thanks to its dense foliage and magnificent flowers in pink, blue and white. For a compact hedge, hardy garden marshmallow (Hibiscus syriacus) is used, which can reach 1.50 - 2m in height when pruned regularly.
A ribbon full of flowers
An entire band of flowers is created in the garden when several hibiscus bushes are planted next to each other as a hedge. A hibiscus hedge is always the right choice when seasonal privacy is sufficient. With its dense foliage and enchanting flowers in pink, blue and white, the hibiscus protects you from prying eyes in summer.
Especially in small gardens, a flowering hedge makes perfect use of the available space. Regardless of whether it is used as a border plant, privacy screen or to frame various garden areas, a flowering hibiscus hedge ensures comfort and a holiday atmosphere in the garden. When many flowers have already faded in midsummer, the magnificent hibiscus flowers make their grand appearance.
The right kind
The hardy garden marshmallow or rose marshmallow is used for a flowering hedge. Hibiscus syriacus, used. It is very tolerant of pruning and reaches a height of 1.50 – 2m after a few years. The garden marshmallow is a summer bloomer and offers reliable privacy protection in the summer months.
From plant to compact hedge
The plants have been selected and should now grow into a compact hedge. The following tips offer you good guidance for planting your hibiscus hedge.
The planting time
The hibiscus hedge is planted in spring. Then the fresh shoots have enough time to develop before winter.
Location and soil
Like the solitary plant, a whole hedge of hibiscus also needs a sunny, protected location. A permeable and nutrient-rich soil is beneficial. A normal soil can be enhanced with humus-rich potting soil (€9.00 on Amazon) or compost.
Planting spacing
For a compact hedge you need two plants per meter. However, you don't have to be content with just one variety or color. By planting different colored varieties you get a varied play of colors.
Planting
For a straight hedge, mark the planting line with a stretched string. Either you dig individual planting holes every 50cm or you dig a 50cm deep trench and water the planting sites well. Place the plants so that all roots can spread easily and the ball is completely covered with soil.
The loosely filled soil is slurried in, then compacted and watered again. Planting is easier if you get a helper.
Regular pruning for a compact hedge
For a compact hedge shape, the hibiscus hedge needs to be pruned annually by around a third of its height. At the same time, frozen and dry branches are removed and any internal, disturbing branches are thinned out. Since the hibiscus is a summer bloomer, it is pruned in the spring before new growth.
When cutting the hedge, you should make sure that the hedge tapers upwards in a trapezoid shape. This means that the lower parts of the plant get enough light and the hedge can develop more evenly.
The right care
- water regularly, especially in dry periods
- possibly fertilize every two weeks with liquid fertilizer
- Apply bark mulch, brushwood or dry leaves to the soil as winter protection
- Aphids and other pests immediatelycollect and fight
- remove diseased leaves immediately so that the disease does not spread overthe entire hedge
Special features of a free-growing hibiscus hedge
A hedge does not necessarily have to be trimmed and run dead straight. If the garden offers enough space, a free-growing hedge can also be created. In this form, the shoots are shortened and old and withered branches are removed. Several hibiscus bushes next to each other offer a true color spectacle. If the hibiscus is planted alternately with spring-flowering or evergreen shrubs, the hedge is a magnetic attraction all year round.
No trouble with the neighbors
If the hibiscus hedge serves as a border plant, a few things must be taken into account so that the neighbor is not disturbed by the hedge. This includes, among other things, maintaining a limit distance. Depending on the growth height of the hedge, a planting distance from the neighbor's property must be maintained. There are also limits to the maximum height of a hedge.
The exact distances and heights that apply are regulated by the neighboring laws of the respective federal states. You can find out which regulations specifically apply to your place of residence or your federal state from your municipality or city administration as well as from publications on the Internet. If you discuss this with your neighbors before planting, the hibiscus hedge will certainly bring joy to both sides.
Tips & Tricks
When cutting the hedge, a taut cord makes it easier for you to orient yourself. Use the string to mark the upper boundary and the thickness of the hedge above and below.