Question
I would like a hedge that is, fast growing, dense, grows to 4-5 feet, doesn't require excessive number of trimmings per year and can be kept very neatly shaped like a privet hedge, something that flowers would be a bonus, but not a necessity. I live in Boston, MA in zone 5.  Currently, I have spirea "hedges" but they are difficult to keep neat and require almost weekly clipping.  I would like to replace them with something that would fit my above requirements. What would you recommend?

Answer
Sybil,
Several plants would fit your needs.
1. Ilex glabra 'compacta'- the compact inkberry. This evergreen shrub will grow to between 4 and 6 feet high, requires little maintenance.
2. Lonicera- the common honeysuckle. This deciduous shrub will grow to between 4 and 8 feet tall, has profuse flowers in the spring and requires little pruning.
3. Viburnum in variety- these semi-evergreen plants will grow from 5 feet uop to 15 feet, have fragrant flowers in the spring and do not require pruning more than once a year.
Any of these plants would be good choices for a quick growing privacy hedge.