New and Unread Tree-Mails
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Southern Illinois  hedgingbets May 8, 2019 9:51 AM CST |
| Hello! First time here. I am looking for advice on selecting the perfect hedging plant for my needs/preferences (had some trees removed and the vacant lot behind my place is a real eyesore). Here are my details: Essentials -Zone 6b -10 ft height absolute minimum, prefer 15-20, 30+ acceptable -5-8 ft wide, 10-12 maximum -Evergreen -Little to no maintenance -Not disease prone (I am way amateur) -As moderately priced as possible, I need to screen 130+ feet and have minimal resources (although for the perfect plant I could try to make something happen) -At least moderate growth speed Preferences -Deep dark green color preferred over bright or emerald shades -Fast grower Plants I am currently considering most seriously are Foster's Holly, Oak Leaf Holly, and Dragon Lady Holly. I prefer the Foster's because I have a young son and I don't want him to be playing and get scratched by the leaves and Foster's are a bit softer. I have been informed the berries from holly could give him a tummy ache if he ate them but are not seriously dangerous to him or our small dog and cats. I have also been considering the Nigra Arborvitae but it seems like those are more prone to disease and might have a wider spread than I am looking for. I also considered Taylor Juniper and Leyland Cypress but those appear to be way out of my price range considering the number I would need to purchase to densely screen 130 feet. My main question is regarding holly breeds - are there any other breeds anyone is aware of besides Foster's that meet the above specifications and have nice soft leaves like the Foster's? Also, do the Oak Leaf and Dragon Lady leaves feel as spiky to the touch as they look in the pictures? Finally, are there any other hedging plant options that might be worth considering that fit the above? I am not married to the holly idea at this point, although I do love it, but I like to consider every option I have, sometimes to excruciating detail. I was just born like that :) Thank you so much for any advice anyone has to offer! |
Name: one-eye-luke US.Vet. Texas (Zone 8a) Quitter's never Win      oneeyeluke May 9, 2019 11:26 AM CST |
| Nellie R. Stevens Holly NOT A EXPERT! Just a grow worm! I never met a plant I didn’t love.✌ |
Name: Amy Capon Bridge, WV (Zone 6b)     starbookworm May 9, 2019 1:22 PM CST |
| You didn't really specify your soil, drainage, or light. That could effect your screen choices. Is Buxus x 'Green Velvet' too green? To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. - Audrey Hepburn |
Southern Illinois hedgingbets May 9, 2019 2:21 PM CST |
starbookworm said:You didn't really specify your soil, drainage, or light. That could effect your screen choices. They will have full sun most of the day and I know basically nothing about the soil or drainage. On the boxwoods, it was my understanding that those are very slow growing. Is this correct? |
Name: Amy Capon Bridge, WV (Zone 6b) starbookworm May 9, 2019 10:44 PM CST |
| They are slower, but they still manage to gain one foot per year. To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. - Audrey Hepburn |
Name: Sue Taylor Northumberland, UK              kniphofia May 9, 2019 10:52 PM CST |
| Your son will be small for only a couple of years, your holly hedge could live his entire life. You would need to start with pretty large plants to attain a 30 foot height. |
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