Sometimes it is urgent to protect yourself from the eyes of the neighbors or from a prevailing wind. Some fast-growing plants will help you in record time if you take good care of them.
The right conditions
Whatever the shrub, it must correspond to the physical characteristics of your region and the soil of your garden. Climate, exposure, pH and soil type should be taken into account before making your choice.
Remember also to determine your needs: if you want to be sheltered from the wind all year long, it is imperative to choose evergreen shrubs. If you choose deciduous species, you can mix them with evergreens and create a mixed hedge that will be much appreciated by the animals that come to the garden.
Choice of shrubs
Preferably choose young, bare-root shrubs. These will have a much better chance of recovery and will grow much faster than taller plants stored in containers whose roots may have suffered. Always check that the roots have not formed a bun, as in this case the plant is already suffering and will take a long time to recover.
Careful planting
Plant your shrubs in the fall in amended and loosened soil. Add well decomposed compost, a little ground horn powder and mycorrhizae to facilitate the recovery and make your plants more resistant.
Respect the planting distances to leave enough room for your shrubs to grow harmoniously.
Remember to water your hedge often, both in summer and in winter, because depending on the region, drought can also occur in winter, causing a delay in growth!
Don't forget to mulch the soil to avoid competition from wild grasses and to maintain a certain freshness in the soil.
What are the fast-growing shrubs to form a hedge?
Among the great classics, the Leyland cypress remains a safe bet, as does the cedar. These conifers grow quickly if they find ideal growing conditions.
Privet has been used for decades. Despite its qualities, it is gradually being replaced by more modern shrubs such as Photinia 'Red Robin' which blooms abundantly and presents beautiful red shoots in spring. The cherry laurel and its large shiny green leaves are still very effective and easy to maintain, while the elaeagnus tolerates strong winds, sea spray and pollution. The perfume of its flowers, although insignificant, perfumes the garden in autumn.
As for deciduous shrubs, buddleia, forsythia and seringat are safe and fast growing. The weigleia is not to be outdone, as is the black elder, which will grace you with its deliciously scented bloom in summer.
Bamboos, which are not shrubs, can also form hedges very quickly depending on the choice of species. Look for Phyllostachys, a genus with many species that are perfect for this purpose.
