Ideal Hedge Substitutes

Traditional formal hedges require constant pruning to keep them looking neat.

Traditional formal hedges require constant pruning to keep them looking neat.

When you think of a hedge, a formal row of perfectly pruned evergreens often comes to mind, but it's not the only option. Hedges form a living screen or indicate a boundary, but you can substitute different plants to create the ideal hedge for your yard. Whether you prefer less maintenance, have limited space or would prefer the hedge to do more than just provide a screen, you have options.

Trellis and Vine Screens

A simple trellis system or fence supporting vines provides a relatively low-maintenance substitute to the standard hedge. You can grow annual vines, such as morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea), up the vine and rely on the trellis or fence for privacy after the plants die for the season. Evergreen vines, like some varieties of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.), which grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones zones 9 through 11, also make suitable hedge substitutes. Pruning needs vary depending on the vine, with some only requiring light pruning to to keep them full or cut out the dead wood at the end of the season, and others requiring more careful pruning to train them to the trellis. The ideal substitutes require minimal pruning compared to a standard hedge.

Informal Hedges

If you prefer shrubs in the hedge, but you want to avoid constant pruning to keep a formal hedge looking its best, the ideal solution may be a shrub that looks its best with minimal to no pruning. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), which grow in USDA zones 5 through 9, look and flower at their best with little pruning. Shrubs with an attractive natural form that have low maintenance requirements can replace a more formal hedge while still providing the same benefits of privacy and boundary-marking.

Container Hedge Substitutes

In areas where ground planting isn't possible or where the soil is poor, containers provide an ideal hedge substitute. If maintenance and pruning isn't a concern, you can still grow evergreen hedge plants in large containers. For a lower maintenance option, use pots large enough to provide the desired screening and fill them with annual flowers, changing them out seasonally so they remain in bloom. Tall grasses, such as Lindheimer's muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri), which grows in USDA zones 6 through 10, can provide privacy in lower pots.

Edible Hedge Substitutions

Annual and perennial edibles give you a hedge substitute that also allows you to extend your vegetable gardening space. Neatly staked nondeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varieties or a row of pole beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) can form a seasonal hedge. You can also train small melons (Cucumis spp.) or squashes (Cucurbita spp.) to grow up a border trellis or fence as a hedge substitute. If your ideal hedge substitute includes growing edibles and maintenance needs aren't an issue, berry bushes, such as blackberries or raspberries (Rubus spp.), which grow in USDA zones 4 through 9, depending on the variety, may provide the best hedge option for your space. Choose only noninvasive varieties.

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