The spindle bush is ideal for planting a hedge. You can also combine it well with other plants. However, if you plant it on the property line, keep in mind that the spindle bush is very poisonous.
How do you plant and care for a spindle bush hedge?
For a spindle bush hedge, plant tall varieties 50 cm apart, cut them regularly and observe the legal regulations. The shrub may need a climbing aid or can grow on a fence or wall.
This is especially important if animals are allowed to run around freely in the neighboring garden or small children are playing. Even 30 to 40 fruits can be fatal to a person. In children, a much lower dose is dangerous.
How do you plant a hedge?
You are free to choose the shape of your hedge, whether it should be strictly symmetrical or a little looser. If you want to prevent baldness, we recommend a trapezoidal cut with an inclination of around 10 - 20 cm. Ideally, the individual plants should be approximately 50 cm apart.
If you want to plant a particularly high hedge, then give your spindle bush a climbing aid (€44.00 on Amazon) to the side. It gives it more stability. Alternatively, you can let the spindle bush climb a fence or wall. For tall hedges, generally choose tall growing varieties of spindle bushes.
How do you trim a hedge?
Hedge trimming is regulated by law in Germany, for example to protect birds nesting there. From March to September you can only carry out gentle care cuts if you don't want to risk high fines. Federal states and municipalities may issue additional regulations. If you are planning larger measures, then check with your municipality beforehand about the applicable rules.
Although topiary is very important for a hedge, here too you should first cut off the diseased branches and twigs to prevent diseases. If two branches rub against each other, remove one of them. Then it's time to cut the shape.
To be able to cut the height evenly, stretch a clearly visible cord at the desired height. Most people misjudge when cutting a straight line freehand. So that the hedge doesn't look crooked, it often has to be shortened again.
The most important things in brief:
- Use tall-growing varieties
- possibly climbing aid
- cut regularly
- Observe the laws
Tip
The spindle bush also makes an excellent planted privacy screen.
