Redefining Hedges: From Stilted to Succulent in Modern Gardens

What makes a hedge? I see it as a linear planting kept regularly trimmed, compact, and impenetrable—or composed of naturally compact shrubs requiring little clipping to maintain a continuous barrier. This definition opens up exciting possibilities beyond traditional evergreen walls.

Hedges are as old as the hills and among the most influential garden design features. Traditionally used for boundaries, divisions, or backdrops, they're now back in fashion—but today's gardens are moving away from conventional materials and designs toward more inventive uses.

Most would agree the clipped evergreens backing the plantings are hedging, but are the rows of grass also hedges? Let's explore how hedges are being reimagined.

Stilted Hedges (Hedges on Stilts)

Stems are clear of branches for 4–6 feet, above which plants are pruned to a hedge. A recent development for smaller gardens, though historically found in formal French and Edwardian gardens (like Hidcote in Gloucestershire).

At the 2012 Chelsea Flower Show, stilted hedges extended boundary fence height for more privacy in modern small gardens. Popular U.K. choices: beech (Fagus sylvatica) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)—they retain leaves over winter for near year-round cover.

A popular twist: underplant the raised hedge with a low-clipped boxwood hedge beneath a raised hedge of Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin'. Both evergreen, creating year-round interest.

Step-Over Hedges

Tightly clipped low hedges separating front gardens from pavement. Contentious because species used (Viburnum tinus, Prunus laurocerasus) are large, strong shrubs if unclipped.

Hedges as Design Building Blocks

Rather than marking boundaries, blocks of hedging become the design's building blocks. Controlled hedge sections within borders reduce maintenance to near zero compared to traditional plant groupings.

Undulating / Cloud Hedges

Belgian designer Jacques Wirtz popularized evergreens clipped into undulating mounds. Seen regularly in show gardens (e.g., Laurent Perrier Garden at 2010 Chelsea). Requires significant skill to achieve and maintain.

Closely grouped clipped evergreen balls create a formal version. Best plants: small-leaved species that tolerate close clipping—boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), English yew (Taxus baccata), Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), Osmanthus varieties.

Contemporary Hedging Plants

Succulents

This glaucous agave planting functions as a hedge—a linear row of plantings adding mass, color, and texture.

Raised & Mobile Hedges

Designer Amir Schlezinger planted raised troughs with low evergreens, creating a hedge boundary that still allows light and air.

Grasses

Loose grass plantings create a hedge that fits contemporary surroundings and adds movement in open environments.

Conifers

In urban concrete jungles, a hanging hedge of horizontally growing juniper conifers softens a retaining wall.

How Low Can a Hedge Go?

Boxwood edging in knot gardens and parterres is still considered hedging. Do these low planting lines also qualify? I think so—what do you think?