Beds don't always have to be bordered or demarcated with stones or wood; hedges also form a decorative finish. Although the boxwood is particularly well-known in this regard, it is by no means the only option for a green border.
Which hedge plants are suitable as a bed border?
Small, densely growing plants such as boxwood, thuja, ilex, spindle bush or herbs such as lavender, boar's rue, St. John's wort, elecampane, chives, mint and dwarf hyssop are suitable as borders. The location requirements and care needs should be taken into account when making the selection.
Which plants are suitable for bordering beds?
Small and densely growing plants are particularly suitable for bordering beds. The choice depends on your ideas regarding the purpose and extent of the hedge. Herbs are just as suitable as small shrubs, such as boxwood, Ilex or Thuja.
The boxwood hedge
The slow-growing varieties of boxwood are particularly suitable for bordering beds, as they usually remain rather small. When choosing your hedge plants, you should also consider their sensitivity to frost. While the particularly pretty variegated boxwood varieties are quite sensitive to frost, the green varieties generally do not need winter protection.
The herb hedge
Herbs as borders may be unusual, but very attractive. They also have one or two pleasant side effects. Lavender is said to repel aphids and other pests. Boar's rue and mint exude an intense scent and you can use chives in your kitchen.
Plants suitable for bordering beds:
- Boxwood
- Thuja
- Ilex
- Spindle bush
- Herbs: lavender, boar's rue, St. John's wort, elecampane, chives, mint, dwarf hyssop
What do I have to consider when planting?
When choosing the right bed edging, you should not only care about the harmonious overall appearance of your garden, but also the hedge itself. Choose plants that really feel comfortable in the location of the hedge. For example, the boar's rue prefers a warm and dry location with lots of sun, while the dwarf hyssop is quite robust.
The different plants also differ in terms of care. Sacredwort and hyssop should be pruned in spring, but chives can be pruned all summer long. Cut it either before flowering if you want to use it in the kitchen or after flowering if you want to use it as a decoration in the garden.
Tip
Many different plants are suitable as green borders, especially those that remain small and grow weakly.
