Hedge plants really shouldn't be an afterthought. While they might be a little unglamorous or less showy than dahlias or poppies or peonies, hedge plants are the backbone of any garden, typically marking the perimeter of a yard. This should not be wasted space, and can in fact be a lush green canopy to offer privacy and security.
The good news is that there are many hedge plants that thrive on neglect, meaning they require little input from you, but still deliver in terms of foliage, flowers and structure. Take hawthorn, for example, which I have grown and cared for in gardens across both Italy and the UK. This low-maintenance species has spring blooms, dense green cover for much of the year, and often houses nesting birds – a real doer in the yard. A simple prune once or twice a year is all it takes to keep this hedge plant in check.
So, if you’re looking for one or two low-maintenance hedge plants that are tough, hardy and don't mind being ignored, this list is for you. The following five species are ones I have grown in different gardens during my professional career, and I know they require little but give a lot.
5 hedge plants that thrive on neglect
When landscaping with hedge plants, always remember to pick plants that are suited to your region, soil, climate and US hardiness zone. While many of these hedge shrubs that thrive on neglect are tough and hardy, it is important to identify relevant species for your yard.
And, always remember to be mindful of invasive hedge plants to avoid, as what can be grown happily in one region can be aggressive and invasive in another.
Here are five hedge plants that thrive on neglect that I have grown as a professional gardener.
1. Hawthorn
Crataegus spp. are a wide-ranging group also known as hawthorns. One of the most popular species is Crataegus monogyna, or the common hawthorn, which is a shrub or tree with red berries that makes for the perfect low-maintenance hedge plant.
Common hawthorn seeds can be ordered via Amazon.
I have grown and cared for hawthorn hedges in many London gardens, where it can be relied on to bloom brilliantly in spring with delicate white flowers, before going on to produce red berries from September onwards.
They tend to be hardy down to zone 3, and can thrive in a range of soil and lighting situations. Just be warned, in shady yards, they can become quite leggy in their search for light.
Once established, you won't need to water or feed them. Simply prune hawthorn trees during the dormant season, in winter or early spring, but they shouldn't require too much trimming; just a foot or so off the top each February or March will keep them compact.
When pruning hawthorn, I would suggest using something like these strong, thornproof gardening gloves, available now via Walmart. Believe me, the thorns are rather unforgiving.
2. Yew
Hardy down to zone 4, yew is one of the easiest evergreen shrubs to use as a hedge plant. It has a moderate growth rate, usually around 10 inches or so each year, with the new growth appearing lighter in color than the darker shade of older stems.
I have cared for yew in more gardens than I can recall, but never once did it require watering or feeding. It is perhaps the ultimate evergreen shrub that thrives on neglect.
Live yew starter plants can be ordered now via Walmart.
And, the good news is that yews respond remarkably well to pruning. So, if you want a neat, perfectly straight hedge, that is just fine. Or, if you prefer a wave-like organic shape, it can be done. I also quite like a loose, natural yew hedge, which provides year-round interest and cover for wildlife.
Just remember that all parts of yew are poisonous, so it is best to wear gloves when handling.
3. Firethorn
Pyracantha, or firethorn, is an underrated hedge plant that not only provides evergreen cover but also produces vibrant berries during fall. Flower and berry production will be improved if grown in full sun, but they will also do just fine in part shade.
Live firethorn shrubs can be ordered via Walmart.
And, what's more, this tough shrub (hardy down to zone 6) doesn't need much care at all. In reality, once planted, it will grow just fine without supplemental water or feed.
A word of caution, however. Firethorn species can be vigorous, and these plants with thorns and spines are problematic in certain states.
For example, the Pyracantha coccinea, or the scarlet firethorn, is considered an invasive plant in Texas. So, always do your homework before purchasing.
4. Beach rose
If you are seeking flowering hedge ideas, you won't find much better (or easier to grow) than Rosa rugosa. Otherwise known as the beach rose, this dense and bushy species is native to Asia, popular with gardeners for its pink blooms.
It can be grown down to zone 3, and will literally take anything thrown at it. Salt air? Sandy soil? Part-shade? Rosa rugosa will thrive. So, if you want hedge plants that thrive on neglect, this is one flowering shrub to consider.
And, if you need any more convincing, this is also one of the best roses for rosehips in fall and winter, ideal for providing interest in your yard during the darker months of the year.
Live Rosa Rugosa plants can be ordered now via Amazon.
5. St. John's wort
Hypericum prolificum, otherwise known as the shrubby St John's wort, is a tough, resilient plant, ideal for a low hedge at the front of any yard.
Native to North America, this species doesn't tend to grow any taller than four feet tall and wide, but would make for a bushy but compact hedge that is not short on color, producing masses of yellow flowers throughout the growing season.
It is hardy down to zone 4, and will thrive in most soil and light conditions, although in shady yards it might not produce many blooms.
And, maxxing out at this height means that you create a hedge barrier that provides screening and privacy, but one that requires little maintenance, needing no water, feed or pruning most years.
Live St John's Wort shrubs can be ordered now via Nature Hills.
If you are seeking another native plant option, try growing Ilex glabra, or the inkberry shrub, which is a North American species that can be grown as a low-maintenance perimeter plant. Live inkberry shrubs can be ordered via Amazon.
For more inspiration, see our guide to some of the other best hedging plants.
Shop hedge plants
This Rosa rugosa starter plant will quickly grow into a dense shrub in your yard.
These yellow gardening gloves are tough and durable, helpful when planting and pruning hedge plants.
This juniper shrub is perfect for creating a dense evergreen canopy in your yard.
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