Good fences may make good neighbors, but let’s face it­, fences are not very charming. There’s a better, more attractive solution out there—hedge plants. Hedges are shrubs planted close together to define outdoor spaces, create privacy, shelter garden rooms, and serve as a backdrop to planting beds. They work hard in the landscape while adding color, texture, and structure. Not all shrubs work well as hedges. We’ve rounded up fourteen of the best hedge plants to beautify your garden and give you the privacy you seek.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Hedge Plants

When selecting shrubs to plant as hedges, it is important to consider the desired height. A privacy hedge may need to be quite tall, particularly if your neighbor’s property is uphill for yours. On the other hand, low hedges can be used to define space while still creating a sense of separation. Although many hedges can be pruned to maintain a desired size, it is much easier to start with a variety that naturally grows to the desired height and width, eliminating the need to prune. Also consider the growth rate of hedge plants. Slow-growing species will take longer to create the desired privacy than fast-growing species.  

Another factor is the density of foliage on different hedge plants. Hollies and boxwoods have tightly packed leaves that work well at creating dense walls of foliage. Rose of Sharon also makes a good hedge but has a more open canopy. Although many hedge plants are evergreen, several deciduous shrubs can also be used, which will impact winter appearance.  

The density at which you plant individual shrubs within a hedge further impacts how complete the sense of enclosure. Space plants closer for a denser screen and wider apart for a more open enclosure. The exact spacing varies according to the species and cultivar being grown, but a handy rule of thumb is to set low-growing hedge plants (3-4 feet tall) about two feet apart within rows. Taller hedge plants can typically be set 3 to 4 feet apart, however, many of the selections on this list were chosen for their narrow stature and will require closer spacing.  

Finally, consider whether you wish to maintain a formal, clipped hedge or a more natural one and choose plants accordingly. As with any planting, match plant selections to your local climate including rainfall and summer and winter temperatures. Use plants well within your hardiness zone, as it can be devastating to lose a full-grown hedge to atypical freezes.