Five evergreen hedges

In the 1970s, the thuja hedge was "the new thing", but these trees have actually been on the earth's surface for much longer. In recent years, the plant has become popular thanks to its ability to quickly prevent visibility. There are more than 600 species, and perhaps Tuja Brabant is one of the most common - it grows quickly and is relatively inexpensive. It can also take on a square shape if trimmed. Tuja Smaragd is an alternative for those looking for a slightly more luxurious variant. It has a narrower and more compact way of growing. The wild variety of Tuja, Occidentalis, is hardy up to zone 5. Thuja should be fertilized carefully and needs plenty of water during establishment - it is best to use a drip hose.

Spruce and yew hedges are darker in green color than thuja hedges and provide a classic style. A spruce hedge made of Norway spruce requires regular trimming, but it becomes both dense and beautiful if cared for properly. It can also withstand temperatures as low as -70 degrees Celsius. Yew is perfect for lower climate zones. Yew hedges are not as hardy, but they thrive well in lower climate zones. They prefer nutrient-rich, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. Some hybrid yew species are especially hardy, such as the variety 'Hilli', which can tolerate temperatures as low as -34 degrees Celsius. If there are small children nearby, it is wise to be aware that yew is poisonous.

For those who prefer hedges with foliage, wintergreen privet, 'Ligustrum vulgare Atrovirens', is an option that can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees. Note that not all privets are wintergreen, and even this variety may shed some leaves during cold winters. An advantage is that wintergreen privet can tolerate shade and grow well in almost all types of soil. Birds often use the hedge as a nesting place. In summer, the bush blooms with small, white flowers. In autumn, it produces black fruits, and the leaves are beautifully lanceolate.

Laurel cherry has stiff, glossy leaves and is relatively fast-growing, but some varieties are not hardy in our climate. If you have small children at home who are curious, it is important to be aware that both the leaves and berries are poisonous. So it is not the same type of laurel leaf that we use in cooking.Different types of plants grow at different speeds. When choosing a plant species, you should check how they grow. The plants that grow fastest are often the most frost-sensitive. A couple of fast-growing and broad varieties are 'Novita' and 'Caucasica', while for example the variety 'Otto Luyken' is low, grows broadly and slowly.Perhaps the most popular are the varieties that grow narrowly, such as 'Genolia' and 'Rumi', which do not need to be pruned as much. These primarily grow in height and can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius.

For a more dramatic effect, you can opt for the spiky bush firethorn that produces bright red berries similar to rowan berries. It can tolerate both partial shade and drought, and does not require pruning. The bush is full of spiky branches. The berries are highly toxic to humans, but popular with birds. Some of the most hardy varieties are "Orange Glow", "Red Column" and "Anatolia". Firethorn can sometimes be affected by damage, but the new shoots are more resistant than the older ones. A protected, well-drained location provides the bush with the best conditions.

Other evergreens are rhododendron and laurel leucothoe. For those who want an exotic feel there is bamboo, for example yellow bamboo. 'Deep Forest' quickly becomes a wall against the outside world. Boxwood is also an evergreen hedge plant, which can be pruned with advantage.

Liselotte Roll, Swedish garden inspiration, journalist and author of books about nature, cultivation, and animals, such as "Soil", "Grow for Insects" and "Chickens as a Hobby".