Certain species with the smaller size of adult leaf and a tendency to keep their lower branches can make an attractive 7 to 10ft (2-3 metres) hedge. They are not suitable for a lower hedge as they will open up to some extent at the bottom after a while. Particularly good is E. coccifera. Also E. archeri, E. parvula and E.subcrenulata are worth considering.
It is essential to prune the plants at the end of their second seasons growth to begin to shape them for a hedge. Remove a third of the height and cut to an inverted 'V' shape removing some of the side branches in September. By hedging at this time the naked buds are able to develop before the end of the growing season so that new growth starts immediately in spring. Alternatively trim back in the same way in April. This will delay regrowth for about six weeks but the hedge will look better over winter.
The following year remove a quarter to a third of the height again and in a similar way shape the sides to an inverted 'V'. Once the hedge has reached the height you require then cut back in the same way every year either in September or April. By so doing you prevent the upper leaves from shading the lower leaves and will discourage the plant from shedding its lower branches. Plant at 5-6ft (1.5-1.8 metres) apart and cut the hedge to a width at the bottom of about 4ft (1.2 metres). |
