SolveYourProblem
Hedges Article Series
I
Want To Create
The Perfect Hedge
Short
or Dwarf Hedges
If you visit your local nursery you may come
across many types of hedges. Some of the most interesting types
you will find are of the short variety, also called dwarf hedges. If
you are looking for a fence substitute, dwarf hedges may not
be the best option. However, if you are simply adding to
your landscape and want to use them ornamentally, height-challenged
hedges can be just what you need.
One of the main reasons consumers purchase dwarf hedges is
because they are perfect for small areas. If you want to add
substance to your landscaping but already have a lot of the
area planted, you can do so with short shrubs. Typically the
dwarf variety will only grow to be a few feet high. Many other
varieties of shrubs and hedges will grow to be around twenty
feet high. You can add them in with your existing landscape
to provide an updated look without being too fussy with your
style. These petite hedges can be used in the same way their
taller counterparts can be used. They are only on a smaller
scale.
One popular use for a dwarf shrub is in the front
of a home.
If you have low windows that you would like to place landscaping
in front of, you can use these without worry. They will not
grow so big that they will cover the entire window. They may
however grow just enough to provide extra shading and added
curb appeal. You can use them along the sides of your home
as well. Any place in which you don’t want a tall hedge, a
dwarf hedge can be used instead.
A great thing about dwarf hedges is that they come in lovely
varieties, some of which are very pretty to view. One type,
the ninebark dwarf, is among the most popular species. Like
all other dwarf shrubs, it is small and can be used anywhere
in your yard. It has small green foliage and contains small
white flowers in the spring. One interesting thing about this
type of shrub is that its bark peels in the winter. This hardy
shrub loves full to partial sun and will grow almost anywhere.
Small birds love it for its protection and you will love it
for its cute flowers and hardy attitude.
The
dwarf blue leaf Arctic willow is also a very popular option
in this short variety. It is probably so popular because it
grows extremely fast compared to others. This type of hedge
will grow even in the wettest soil conditions, which makes
it perfect for marshy or wetland areas. The stems are skinny
and will gracefully sway in the wind. The hedge gets its name
due to its bluish green coloring.
If you want to add a little “wall” to your home, dwarf shrubs
are perfect for this task. You can use them like full sized
shrubs and create a barrier between your property line and
your neighbor’s. Of course, they won’t grow as tall as the
regular variety, but they will be just as beautiful. Just like
their taller versions, dwarf hedges require very little maintenance.
They do need to be planted with plenty of room for their roots
to grow. They should be planted only a few inches into the
soil however. Just like regular hedges, they do not require
extra watering and will thrive on rainwater. They do need to
be pruned occasionally, especially if you want them to maintain
a specific shape.
Another great way to use these petite hedges is to build them
around an existing flower garden. You can enclose any garden
with these hedges to offer a more private and professional
look to your yard. Place a lovely sitting bench in the middle
and you will feel like you have your own secret garden. Dwarf
hedges are also a great way to attract small wildlife to your
yard. Although they will not bring in the amount of wildlife
the larger hedges will, you will still see an increase in bird
activity and other small wildlife activity in your yard when
you use these lovely little hedges. Overall, if you are looking
for a way to add the appeal of hedges to your home, but would
rather work on a smaller scale, dwarf shrubs are the best way
to go.
