Seeds for Hedges ( Perennials )

Scotch Gypsy Broom is a fast-growing flowering shrub renowned for its brilliant display of golden-yellow blossoms that can nearly cover the entire plant during spring. Native to Europe and widely cultivated around the world, it has become a favorite for informal hedges, sunny borders, erosion control, and wildlife plantings.

Its upright, arching branches create a naturally dense shrub that is especially attractive when planted in groups or hedgerows. During bloom, the plant transforms into a mass of bright color that can be seen from considerable distances.

For gardeners seeking a hedge that offers both privacy and spectacular seasonal beauty, Scotch Gypsy Broom is an excellent choice.

• Botanical Name: Cytisus scoparius
• Common Names: Scotch Broom, Scotch Gypsy Broom, Common Broom
• Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• USDA Zones: 5-8
• Height: 4-10 feet
• Spread: 4-8 feet
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Flower Color: Bright yellow
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer

Scotch Gypsy Broom is especially useful in difficult sites where other hedge plants may struggle.

• Flowering hedges
• Property boundaries
• Wildlife screens
• Erosion control plantings
• Roadside plantings
• Sunny borders
• Drought-tolerant landscapes
• Naturalized hedgerows

When planted in rows, the shrubs create a colorful and highly attractive informal hedge.

Unlike Yew or Arborvitae, Scotch Gypsy Broom is best used as a natural hedge rather than a tightly clipped formal hedge. Its graceful branching habit and seasonal flowers are best displayed when allowed to retain their natural shape.

1. Scarify seeds by lightly nicking the seed coat or soaking in hot water for 12-24 hours.
2. Sow approximately 1/4 inch deep.
3. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.
4. Keep soil lightly moist.
5. Provide bright light.
6. Germination typically occurs within 2-6 weeks.
7. Transplant seedlings when well established.
8. Avoid excessive fertilization.

Scotch Gypsy Broom thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It performs exceptionally well in poor, sandy, rocky, and drought-prone sites where many other shrubs struggle.

Once established, plants require little maintenance and often perform best when left relatively undisturbed.

The species is particularly useful for challenging sites where attractive screening is desired.

Young plants can be grown in containers but perform best when eventually planted in the landscape.

• Use well-drained soil.
• Avoid overwatering.
• Provide full sun.
• Use moderate fertilization.
• Transplant before roots become crowded.

Landscape planting is recommended for mature specimens.

Japanese Mock Orange is a handsome evergreen shrub prized for its dense glossy foliage, highly fragrant spring flowers, and exceptional versatility as a hedge plant. Native to Japan, Korea, and parts of eastern Asia, it has become one of the most widely planted evergreen hedges in warm temperate and coastal regions around the world.

Its naturally dense branching habit forms an attractive screen that can be maintained as a formal clipped hedge or allowed to develop into a graceful informal barrier. During spring, clusters of creamy white flowers release a sweet citrus-like fragrance often compared to orange blossoms, giving rise to its common name.

For gardeners seeking beauty, privacy, fragrance, and year-round greenery, few hedge plants offer as complete a package as Japanese Mock Orange.

• Botanical Name: Pittosporum tobira
• Common Names: Japanese Mock Orange, Japanese Pittosporum, Tobira
• Plant Type: Evergreen flowering shrub
• USDA Zones: 8-11
• Height: 6-15 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Foliage Color: Deep glossy green
• Flower Color: Creamy white
• Bloom Time: Spring

Japanese Mock Orange is one of the most adaptable evergreen shrubs for landscape use.

• Privacy hedges
• Foundation plantings
• Property screens
• Coastal landscapes
• Windbreaks
• Formal hedges
• Fragrant gardens
• Evergreen borders

Its neat growth habit and year-round appearance make it equally suitable for residential and commercial landscapes.

Japanese Mock Orange tolerates repeated trimming and shaping exceptionally well. This ability allows gardeners to maintain crisp formal hedges while preserving dense foliage from top to bottom.

1. Sow seeds in a well-drained seed starting mix.
2. Lightly cover seeds with fine soil.
3. Maintain temperatures between 70-80°F.
4. Keep soil consistently moist.
5. Provide bright indirect light.
6. Germination may occur within several weeks.
7. Transplant seedlings when well established.
8. Provide protection from frost during early growth.

Japanese Mock Orange performs best in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide variety of soil conditions. Once established, it exhibits excellent drought tolerance and requires relatively little maintenance.

It is particularly valued in coastal areas because of its tolerance to salt spray and ocean winds.

Occasional pruning after flowering helps maintain a dense, attractive form.

This species adapts exceptionally well to large containers.

• Use quality well-drained potting soil.
• Provide full sun or partial shade.
• Water regularly during establishment.
• Prune as needed to maintain shape.
• Feed lightly during active growth.

Container-grown specimens are frequently used around patios, entrances, and courtyards.

• The flowers are often compared to orange blossoms in fragrance.
• The species is highly tolerant of coastal conditions.
• Glossy leaves remain attractive throughout the year.
• It is frequently used in commercial landscapes due to its reliability.
• Mature plants develop an exceptionally dense branching structure.

Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is one of the most treasured fragrant hedge plants for warm climates. This handsome evergreen shrub or small tree is prized for its glossy green foliage, dense growth habit, and tiny, intensely fragrant flowers. Although the blooms are small, their sweet perfume can fill an entire garden, often carrying on the breeze long before the flowers are noticed.

Tea Olive is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach 10 to 20 feet tall when mature, though it is commonly maintained much shorter as a hedge. The foliage is dark green, glossy, and attractive throughout the year. In season, the plant produces small white, cream, or pale orange flowers with a powerful sweet fragrance often compared to apricot, peach, jasmine, and ripe fruit.

Tea Olive is excellent for formal hedges, informal privacy screens, foundation plantings, fragrant walkways, courtyard gardens, patio borders, and mixed evergreen plantings. It is especially valuable near entrances, porches, windows, and garden paths where its fragrance can be enjoyed up close.

Tea Olive is one of the finest flowering hedge plants for southern gardens. Unlike many hedge plants that offer only foliage, Tea Olive provides year-round greenery along with wonderfully fragrant flowers. It can be maintained as a clipped formal hedge or allowed to grow naturally into a graceful informal screen. For hedge use, plants are commonly spaced about 4 to 6 feet apart.

Tea Olive seed can be slow and irregular to germinate. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow in a moist, well-drained seed-starting mix and cover lightly with soil. Keep the medium evenly moist but not soggy, and maintain warm temperatures of about 70 to 80 degrees F. Germination may take several weeks to several months, so patience is important.

Tea Olive grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Plants appreciate moderate moisture while becoming established, but mature specimens are fairly drought tolerant once their roots are well developed. Pruning is best done after flowering or as needed to maintain the desired hedge shape.

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is one of the world's most famous hedge plants, prized for its dense evergreen foliage, exceptional pruning tolerance, and elegant appearance. For centuries, Boxwood has been used to create formal hedges, garden borders, knot gardens, and estate landscapes. Its fine-textured foliage and ability to be shaped into almost any form make it one of the premier hedge plants available.

Boxwood is a slow to moderate growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves that remain attractive throughout the year. Mature plants typically reach 8 to 20 feet in height if left unpruned, but are commonly maintained much smaller as hedges. Its naturally dense branching habit creates one of the most uniform and refined hedge appearances available.

• Botanical Name: Buxus sempervirens
• Common Name: Common Boxwood, English Boxwood
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 8-20 feet
• Hedge Height: 2-8 feet typically maintained
• Spread: 6-15 feet
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• USDA Zones: 5-9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Boxwood is the classic choice for formal landscape design and is commonly used for:

• Formal hedges
• Property borders
• Foundation plantings
• Parterre gardens
• Knot gardens
• Walkway edging
• Topiary creations
• Estate landscaping
• Evergreen screening

Few shrubs offer the same level of refinement and architectural structure as a well-maintained Boxwood hedge.

Boxwood is widely regarded as the gold standard for formal hedges. Its dense branching, small leaves, and ability to withstand repeated trimming allow it to maintain crisp, clean lines for decades. Some historic Boxwood hedges planted centuries ago are still thriving today.

For dense hedge formation, plants are typically spaced 2 to 4 feet apart depending on the desired final size.

Boxwood seeds require cold stratification for best germination.

1. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
2. Place seeds in moist peat or sand.
3. Refrigerate for 60 to 90 days at approximately 40°F.
4. Sow in a well-drained seed-starting mix.
5. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.
6. Keep evenly moist during germination.

Germination can be slow and may occur over several weeks or months.

Boxwood grows best in fertile, well-drained soil and performs well in both full sun and partial shade. Plants appreciate consistent moisture while becoming established but are relatively drought tolerant once mature.

Annual pruning encourages dense growth and helps maintain hedge shape. Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and protect shallow roots.

Boxwood performs exceptionally well in containers and is frequently used in decorative pots near entrances, patios, and formal garden settings.

• Start with 3 to 5 gallon containers.
• Move mature plants into 15 to 25 gallon containers.
• Use high-quality well-drained potting soil.
• Provide regular watering during hot weather.

Container-grown Boxwoods can remain attractive for decades with proper care.

• Boxwood is one of the oldest cultivated ornamental shrubs in history.
• Its wood is extremely dense and was historically used for carving, musical instruments, and fine woodworking.
• Some Boxwood specimens are known to live for hundreds of years.
• The small leaves allow precise shaping not possible with many hedge plants.
• Boxwood remains attractive throughout all four seasons.

Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera) is one of North America's most historic and effective hedge plants. Long before the invention of barbed wire, farmers across the Midwest planted Osage Orange hedgerows as living fences capable of containing livestock and deterring intruders. With its dense branching habit, formidable thorns, rapid growth, and exceptional durability, few plants can rival its effectiveness as a protective hedge.

Osage Orange is a deciduous tree native to the south-central United States. When planted closely and regularly pruned, it forms an exceptionally dense hedge that can become nearly impenetrable. The bright green foliage creates an attractive summer screen before turning golden yellow in autumn.

• Botanical Name: Maclura pomifera
• Common Names: Osage Orange, Hedge Apple, Horse Apple, Bodark
• Plant Type: Deciduous tree
• Mature Height: 30-50 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 6-15 feet
• Spread: 20-40 feet
• Growth Rate: Fast
• USDA Zones: 4-9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun

Osage Orange is ideal for:

• Security hedges
• Living fences
• Farm boundaries
• Windbreaks
• Wildlife cover plantings
• Rural property screening
• Erosion control
• Naturalized landscapes

Its thorny branches and dense growth make it one of the most effective barrier hedges available.

Historically, Osage Orange was known as the "horse-high, bull-strong, pig-tight hedge." Properly planted and maintained, it forms a living fence so dense that livestock and large animals cannot easily penetrate it.

Unlike ornamental hedges, Osage Orange excels where security, durability, and wildlife value are primary goals.

1. Remove seeds from mature fruit and clean thoroughly.
2. Cold stratify seeds for 60-90 days in moist peat or sand.
3. Sow seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep.
4. Maintain temperatures between 70-80°F.
5. Keep soil consistently moist.
6. Germination typically occurs within several weeks after stratification.

Osage Orange is remarkably adaptable and thrives in a wide variety of soil conditions including clay, sand, rocky soils, and drought-prone sites. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and is highly resistant to heat, drought, wind, and poor soils.

Pruning can be used to encourage dense branching and maintain hedge shape. Young plants respond especially well to formative pruning.

Due to its vigorous growth and eventual size, Osage Orange is generally not recommended as a long-term container plant. Young seedlings may be grown temporarily in containers before transplanting to a permanent landscape location.

Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) is one of the most colorful and versatile hedge plants available. Valued for its dense evergreen foliage, fragrant spring flowers, brilliant clusters of orange-red berries, and formidable thorny branches, Firethorn provides beauty, wildlife value, and security all in one plant. A mature Firethorn hedge becomes a spectacular display of color while serving as an effective privacy and barrier planting.

Firethorn is a vigorous evergreen shrub with dense branching and sharp thorns. In spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers that are followed by masses of brightly colored berries that often persist well into winter.

• Botanical Name: Pyracantha coccinea
• Common Name: Firethorn
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 4-10 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• USDA Zones: 6-9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Firethorn is commonly used for:

• Security hedges
• Privacy screens
• Property boundaries
• Wildlife plantings
• Foundation plantings
• Espaliers against walls
• Bird gardens
• Mixed shrub borders

Its combination of flowers, berries, evergreen foliage, and thorns makes it one of the most multi-purpose hedge plants available.

Firethorn creates a highly effective barrier hedge due to its dense growth and sharp thorns. A mature hedge can deter unwanted foot traffic while still providing ornamental value throughout the year.

For dense screening, plants are typically spaced 3 to 5 feet apart.

1. Cold stratify seeds for 60-90 days.
2. Sow in a well-drained seed-starting mix.
3. Cover lightly with soil.
4. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.
5. Keep evenly moist until germination occurs.

Germination may occur over several weeks following stratification.

Firethorn performs best in full sun where berry production is maximized. It adapts to a wide range of soil types and becomes fairly drought tolerant once established.

Annual pruning can be used to maintain shape and encourage dense branching. Plants flower on older wood, so heavy pruning should be timed carefully if berry production is desired.

Firethorn can be grown successfully in large containers for many years.

• Use containers at least 15 gallons in size.
• Provide excellent drainage.
• Water regularly during hot weather.
• Prune as needed to maintain size.

Container-grown plants often produce attractive displays of flowers and berries.

Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is one of the finest evergreen screening and windbreak plants for cold, dry climates. Native to the rugged mountains and foothills of western North America, this hardy conifer is valued for its attractive blue-green foliage, exceptional drought tolerance, and ability to form a dense year-round privacy screen. While not a traditional formal hedge plant, it excels as a low-maintenance living wall, shelterbelt, and wildlife hedge.

Rocky Mountain Juniper is an evergreen conifer with a naturally upright, narrow growth habit. Many forms display attractive blue-green to silvery foliage that provides year-round color and texture.

• Botanical Name: Juniperus scopulorum
• Common Name: Rocky Mountain Juniper
• Plant Type: Evergreen conifer
• Mature Height: 20-50 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 8-20 feet
• Spread: 6-15 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• USDA Zones: 3-8
• Sun Exposure: Full sun

Rocky Mountain Juniper is especially useful for:

• Privacy screens
• Windbreaks
• Shelterbelts
• Property boundaries
• Wildlife cover plantings
• Rural landscapes
• Drought-tolerant gardens
• Low-maintenance screening

Its dense evergreen foliage provides year-round screening even in harsh climates where many other hedge plants struggle.

Unlike Boxwood or Privet, Rocky Mountain Juniper should not be treated as a formal clipped hedge. It performs best as a natural or lightly pruned screening hedge where its upright form can develop naturally.

For privacy screening, plants are typically spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. When mature, they create an attractive evergreen wall with minimal maintenance requirements.

1. Clean thoroughly and soak for 24 hours.
2. Cold stratify for 90 to 120 days.
3. Sow in a well-drained growing medium.
4. Keep moist but not waterlogged.
5. Germination may occur over several months.

Juniper seeds are naturally slow to germinate and patience is often required.

Rocky Mountain Juniper thrives in full sun and is highly adaptable to poor, rocky, sandy, and drought-prone soils. Once established, it requires very little supplemental water and is one of the most drought-tolerant evergreen screening plants available.

The species is extremely cold hardy and performs well in areas with harsh winters and strong winds.

Young plants can be grown successfully in containers for several years.

• Use deep containers with excellent drainage.
• Water regularly during establishment.
• Avoid overwatering.
• Transplant to the landscape before plants become rootbound.

Long-term container culture is generally less desirable due to the plant's eventual size.

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is one of the finest multi-purpose hedge plants available for modern landscapes. This attractive native shrub offers beautiful white spring flowers, glossy green foliage, edible dark purple-black berries, brilliant red fall color, exceptional wildlife value, and outstanding cold hardiness. Whether planted as an edible hedge, wildlife screen, pollinator planting, or ornamental border, Black Chokeberry provides year-round interest and remarkable versatility.

Black Chokeberry is a dense, suckering deciduous shrub that forms attractive colonies over time. Its glossy leaves, spring flowers, edible fruits, and vivid autumn foliage provide interest during every season.

• Botanical Name: Aronia melanocarpa
• Common Name: Black Chokeberry
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Mature Height: 3-8 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 4-6 feet
• Spread: 3-6 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• USDA Zones: 3-8
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Black Chokeberry is excellent for:

• Edible hedges
• Wildlife hedges
• Pollinator gardens
• Property borders
• Rain gardens
• Naturalized landscapes
• Erosion control
• Four-season ornamental plantings

Its dense growth and attractive appearance make it one of the best native hedge plants for residential landscapes.

Unlike many traditional hedge plants, Black Chokeberry combines screening value with edible fruit production and outstanding wildlife benefits. Its suckering habit gradually creates a dense hedge that becomes increasingly effective over time.

For hedge planting, space shrubs approximately 3 to 5 feet apart.

1. Clean thoroughly and soak for 24 hours.
2. Cold stratify for 60 to 90 days.
3. Sow in a moist, well-drained seed-starting mix.
4. Cover lightly with soil.
5. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.

Germination generally occurs within several weeks after stratification.

Black Chokeberry is highly adaptable and grows in a wide variety of soil conditions. It tolerates wet soils better than many hedge plants yet also withstands periods of drought once established.

Plants perform best in full sun where flowering, fruit production, and fall color are maximized.

Black Chokeberry can be grown successfully in large containers.

• Use containers of 15 gallons or larger.
• Provide consistent moisture.
• Use quality potting soil with good drainage.
• Prune occasionally to maintain shape.

Container plants often produce flowers, berries, and fall color comparable to landscape specimens.

Juneberry, also known as Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), is one of North America's finest native edible shrubs. This beautiful multi-season plant offers clouds of white spring flowers, delicious blueberry-like fruits, outstanding wildlife value, brilliant fall color, and excellent screening ability. Whether grown as an edible hedge, wildlife planting, or ornamental landscape feature, Juneberry delivers beauty and productivity throughout the year.

Juneberry is a hardy deciduous shrub or small tree with an upright growth habit. In spring, its branches become covered with masses of white flowers, followed by sweet purple-blue fruits that resemble blueberries. Autumn brings spectacular shades of orange, red, and gold.

• Botanical Name: Amelanchier alnifolia
• Common Names: Juneberry, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Western Serviceberry
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
• Mature Height: 6-15 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 5-10 feet
• Spread: 4-10 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• USDA Zones: 2-8
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Juneberry is excellent for:

• Edible hedges
• Privacy screens
• Wildlife hedges
• Pollinator gardens
• Property borders
• Naturalized landscapes
• Native plant gardens
• Four-season ornamental plantings

Its flowers, fruit, and fall color provide interest in every season.

Juneberry forms an attractive informal hedge that combines screening ability with edible fruit production. Unlike many traditional hedge plants, it provides food for both people and wildlife while remaining highly ornamental.

For hedge planting, shrubs are typically spaced 4 to 6 feet apart.

1. Clean thoroughly and soak for 24 hours.
2. Cold stratify seeds for 90 to 120 days.
3. Sow in a moist, well-drained seed-starting medium.
4. Cover lightly with soil.
5. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.

Germination generally occurs within several weeks after stratification.

Juneberry is adaptable to a variety of soil types and is highly cold hardy. Plants perform best in full sun where flowering and fruit production are maximized.

Once established, Juneberry is drought tolerant and requires relatively little maintenance beyond occasional pruning.

Young Juneberry plants can be grown successfully in large containers.

• Use containers of 15 gallons or larger.
• Provide excellent drainage.
• Maintain regular watering.
• Prune as needed to control size.

Container-grown plants often flower and fruit reliably.

The abundant spring flowers are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects. Juneberry is considered one of the best early-season pollinator shrubs.

Juneberry may be one of the most underappreciated edible landscape plants in North America. It offers outstanding ornamental beauty while producing delicious fruit and supporting a wide range of wildlife.

If you are seeking an edible hedge that combines beauty, history, wildlife value, and excellent fruit production, Juneberry deserves a place at the top of your list. Few plants offer such a remarkable combination of attributes while remaining easy to grow and highly adaptable.

American Plum (Prunus americana) is one of North America's finest native hedge plants. This hardy fruiting shrub or small tree combines fragrant spring flowers, edible summer fruits, dense screening growth, outstanding wildlife value, and excellent adaptability. Its naturally suckering habit allows it to form thick, nearly impenetrable hedges that provide privacy, food, and shelter for both people and wildlife.

American Plum is a deciduous shrub or small tree that naturally forms colonies through root suckers. In spring, the branches become covered with masses of fragrant white blossoms before the leaves emerge. Summer brings attractive red to yellow plums, while fall foliage develops warm shades of yellow and orange.

• Botanical Name: Prunus americana
• Common Name: American Plum
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub or small tree
• Mature Height: 10-20 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 6-12 feet
• Spread: 8-15 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• USDA Zones: 3-8
• Sun Exposure: Full sun

Its dense growth and abundant flowers make it both attractive and highly functional.

American Plum naturally spreads by suckers, allowing it to form thick hedgerows over time. This characteristic made it a favorite living fence and wildlife hedge throughout much of its native range.

For hedge planting, shrubs are typically spaced 4 to 6 feet apart.

1. Clean thoroughly and allow to dry briefly.
2. Cold stratify seeds for 90 to 120 days.
3. Sow approximately 1 inch deep.
4. Keep evenly moist during germination.
5. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.

Germination generally occurs the following spring after stratification.

American Plum grows best in full sun and adapts well to a variety of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Once established, plants are reasonably drought tolerant and highly adaptable.

Occasional pruning can help maintain hedge shape while encouraging vigorous flowering and fruit production.

American Plum is one of the best examples of a native edible hedge. It combines privacy, wildlife value, pollinator support, and fruit production while remaining rugged enough for difficult sites and rural landscapes.

If you want a hedge that truly works for both people and wildlife, American Plum deserves serious consideration. Its flowers attract pollinators, its fruits feed birds and gardeners alike, and its dense branching creates an attractive natural screen that improves with age.

Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) is one of the most valuable native fruiting hedge plants in the southeastern United States. Known for its fragrant spring blossoms, sweet edible fruits, dense thicket-forming habit, and outstanding wildlife value, this rugged shrub creates beautiful natural hedges that provide privacy, food, and habitat. Its ability to spread by root suckers allows it to develop into a dense, effective living screen over time.

Chickasaw Plum is a deciduous shrub or small tree that naturally forms colonies through underground runners. In early spring, branches become covered with masses of fragrant white flowers before the leaves appear. The resulting red, yellow, or orange plums ripen in summer and are highly prized by both people and wildlife.

• Botanical Name: Prunus angustifolia
• Common Name: Chickasaw Plum
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 6-10 feet
• Spread: 8-20 feet through suckering
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• USDA Zones: 5-9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun

Chickasaw Plum is excellent for:

• Edible hedges
• Wildlife hedges
• Privacy screens
• Property boundaries
• Pollinator gardens
• Erosion control
• Naturalized landscapes
• Southern native gardens

Its dense growth and abundant flowering make it one of the most attractive native hedge plants for southern landscapes.

Chickasaw Plum naturally forms dense thickets through root suckers, making it exceptionally effective as a hedge. Over time, a planting can develop into a nearly continuous screen that provides privacy, wildlife habitat, and seasonal beauty.

For hedge planting, shrubs are typically spaced 4 to 6 feet apart.

1. Cold stratify seeds for 90 to 120 days.
2. Sow approximately 1 inch deep.
3. Keep evenly moist during germination.
4. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.

Seeds typically germinate the following spring after stratification.

Chickasaw Plum thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soils including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is particularly well adapted to heat, drought, and the challenging growing conditions often found throughout the South.

Plants require little maintenance and can be pruned as needed to control spread and maintain hedge shape.

Chickasaw Plum was widely cultivated and distributed by Native American tribes long before European settlement. The species is believed to have spread beyond parts of its original range through Native American trade routes and cultivation practices.

The common name reflects its close association with the Chickasaw people, who valued the fruits as an important food resource.

Few native shrubs offer the combination of beauty, wildlife value, fruit production, and screening ability found in Chickasaw Plum. Its spectacular spring bloom alone makes it worthy of consideration for almost any landscape.

If you are looking for a hedge that provides flowers, fruit, pollinator support, wildlife habitat, and privacy, Chickasaw Plum is an exceptional choice. It is one of the most useful native hedge plants available for southern and central landscapes.

Beach Plum (Prunus maritima) is a rugged native shrub of the Atlantic Coast that combines beautiful spring flowers, edible fruits, exceptional wildlife value, and remarkable tolerance to salt spray, wind, and sandy soils. Naturally found growing among dunes and coastal grasslands, Beach Plum forms dense colonies that make excellent hedges while providing both ornamental beauty and delicious fruit.

Beach Plum is a deciduous shrub with dense branching, glossy green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and attractive plum-like fruits ranging from purple to deep blue. Its naturally spreading growth habit makes it particularly useful for hedges and coastal landscapes.

• Botanical Name: Prunus maritima
• Common Name: Beach Plum
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
• Mature Height: 4-8 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 4-6 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• USDA Zones: 3-8
• Sun Exposure: Full sun

Its toughness and adaptability make it one of the best shrubs for difficult coastal environments.

Beach Plum naturally spreads through suckers, forming dense thickets that become increasingly effective as hedges over time. Unlike many ornamental hedge plants, it also produces edible fruit while supporting pollinators and wildlife.

For hedge planting, shrubs are typically spaced 4 to 5 feet apart.

1. Cold stratify for 90 to 120 days.
2. Sow approximately 1 inch deep.
3. Keep evenly moist during germination.
4. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F.

Seeds generally germinate the following spring after stratification.

Beach Plum thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of sandy soils, salt spray, drought, and wind. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and performs exceptionally well in coastal conditions.

Occasional pruning may be used to maintain hedge shape and encourage dense growth.

Beach Plum is one of the most distinctive native fruiting shrubs in North America. Its ability to thrive where many other plants fail makes it particularly valuable for coastal gardeners seeking beauty, fruit production, and wildlife value.

If you garden near the coast, Beach Plum may be one of the best hedge plants available. It provides flowers, fruit, wildlife habitat, and outstanding durability while bringing a piece of America's coastal heritage into the landscape.

Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is one of the most dependable evergreen hedge plants for warm climates. Valued for its dense glossy foliage, rapid growth, exceptional pruning tolerance, and year-round screening ability, Japanese Privet has become a landscape favorite throughout the southern United States and many temperate regions worldwide. Whether maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to develop into a natural screen, it provides reliable privacy and attractive evergreen color.

Japanese Privet is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree with thick, glossy leaves and a naturally dense growth habit. It responds exceptionally well to pruning and can be maintained as a neat formal hedge or informal screen.

• Botanical Name: Ligustrum japonicum
• Common Name: Japanese Privet
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
• Mature Height: 10-15 feet
• Hedge Height: Commonly maintained at 4-10 feet
• Spread: 6-10 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• USDA Zones: 7-10
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Japanese Privet is widely used for:

• Privacy hedges
• Evergreen screens
• Property boundaries
• Formal hedges
• Foundation plantings
• Noise barriers
• Windbreaks
• Urban landscapes

Its dense evergreen foliage makes it especially valuable where year-round screening is desired.

Japanese Privet is among the easiest hedge plants to maintain. It tolerates repeated trimming and can be shaped into formal hedges with crisp lines or allowed to develop into a more natural screen.

For dense hedge formation, plants are typically spaced 3 to 5 feet apart.

1. Cold stratify for 60 to 90 days.
2. Sow in a moist, well-drained growing medium.
3. Cover lightly with soil.
4. Keep consistently moist until germination.

Germination usually occurs within several weeks following stratification.

Japanese Privet is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. It tolerates heat, humidity, drought, urban pollution, and occasional salt exposure once established.

Plants respond very well to pruning and can be trimmed several times each year to maintain desired shape and density.

Japanese Privet performs well in large containers and planters.

• Use containers of 15 gallons or larger.
• Provide good drainage.
• Water regularly during establishment.
• Prune as needed to maintain compact growth.

Container-grown specimens are frequently used around patios, entrances, and courtyards.

Native to Japan and Korea, Japanese Privet has been cultivated for centuries as both an ornamental and practical landscape plant. It gained widespread popularity in the United States during the twentieth century because of its durability, adaptability, and ability to create dense evergreen hedges.

Its reliability helped establish it as one of the most commonly planted screening shrubs in many southern landscapes.

When gardeners think of a traditional evergreen privacy hedge, Japanese Privet is often one of the first plants that comes to mind. Its reliability and ease of maintenance have made it a landscape staple for generations.