In summer, a conventional hedge has dense growth and attracts many colorful butterflies. In winter, however, it becomes lighter and reveals an unwanted view of the property. A mixed hedge can prevent this. The combination of perennials and trees that bloom at different times of the year constantly changes appearance but never becomes bare. Read here how to create a mixed hedge.
How do I create a mixed hedge?
To create a mixed hedge, plant a combination of perennials and woody plants in well-drained, organically enriched soil in the fall. Pay attention to different flowering times and plant the tree line densely or loosely, depending on the desired privacy. Maintain the hedge by watering and pruning regularly.
Benefits of a mixed hedge
- easy to set up
- easy care
- always changing her appearance
- no regular trimming necessary
- no weeds
- reliable privacy protection all year round
Planting a mixed hedge
A mixed hedge saves you a lot of time because you only have to do smaller jobs throughout the year.
Suitable plants
When buying your plants, make sure you buy plants that have already been grown. Woody plants are best combined with perennials that you plant in the ground. These are divided into three groups from which you can choose:
- Perennials with pre-planting: large plants in front of which you can place small trees
- Perennials without pre-planting, can also stand alone due to their beautiful appearance
- Pre-planting, smaller plants and trees that you place in front of large perennials
Soil requirements
Permeable soil is perfect, which you can ideally enrich organically with mulch (€14.00 on Amazon) or xylitol.
Planting time
Gardeners recommend starting to create a mixed hedge in autumn. Then the larger perennials do not block the light from smaller plants. How densely you plant your mixed hedge is entirely up to you. If your hedge is not on the edge of the property, in some places only grass can separate individual garden sections from each other.
Further care
Especially on dry days, it is important to water the mixed hedge well. An automatic irrigation system saves you a lot of work. The following applies to pruning: cut large perennials in summer and smaller trees in spring.
