Edible hedges serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, adding privacy and charm to your outdoor space while producing delicious fruits.
Many shrubs can form hedges, from evergreen thuja, known as arborvitae, to yews, beeches, and hawthorns. However, incorporating fruit-bearing plants enhances your hedgerow, providing homegrown produce for delightful meals.
This season, consider planting some of the finest edible hedge plants. Below are five unique and fruitful shrubs that can transform your garden boundaries.
Blueberry bushes yield vibrant blue fruits during summer, offering both beauty and flavor.
Growing Edible Hedge Plants
There are numerous hedging options, from flowering varieties to wildlife-friendly plants like hawthorn. If you're interested in kitchen gardening, edible hedges can provide a tasty and productive border.
Most shrubs thrive when planted in fall, typically in October or November, or in spring around March or April. Choose a mild, dry day for planting and ensure your new hedges receive deep watering for optimal growth.
1. Dog Roses
Rose hips are beautiful and edible, appearing in late summer and fall.
For those seeking wildlife-friendly ideas, dog roses make a lovely boundary plant. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, while the rose hips provide a sweet treat for both people and wildlife in autumn. Use them to create healthy syrups or jams.
'Dog roses, Rosa canina, flourish in USDA hardiness zone 5 and above,' notes a plant expert. 'They are quite hardy and withstand cold conditions.' They thrive in sunny areas with moist, well-drained soil and can grow over 10 feet long, making them great for a mixed hedgerow.
2. Mulberry
Mulberry fruits add an unusual flair to your garden.
Mulberry trees can be shaped into small shrubs or hedges, offering sweet fruits to harvest during summer. 'Growing mulberries is straightforward,' shares a garden expert. 'They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 and up and prefer full sun with moisture-retaining soil.'
Mulberries grow quickly and can reach considerable heights. For a manageable hedge, consider a dwarf variety like Morus rotundiloba 'Mojo Berry', which maxes out at about five or six feet. Avoid white mulberry varieties, as they are invasive in many areas.
3. Blueberry
Blueberry bushes are excellent for a low-growing fruit hedge.
Among edible hedge plants, blueberries stand out for their flavor. For instance, Vaccinium corymbosum 'Patriot' is a popular choice, reaching around six feet tall. 'Blueberries typically grow between two and five feet high, making them less vigorous than blackberries or raspberries, which also work as edible hedges,' notes the expert. They require acidic soil with a pH of 4.5–5.5 and plenty of sunlight and moisture to flourish.
4. Hazel
Hazel bushes offer both foliage and nutritious nuts during summer.
Hazelnuts, high in magnesium and vitamin E, are a tasty snack. Instead of buying them, consider planting a hazelnut hedge for fresh nuts come summer or fall. These low-maintenance plants grow well in sunny or partially shaded areas and can reach up to 20 feet tall, so regular pruning helps maintain their height.
The common hazel, Corylus avellana, thrives in USDA hardiness zone 6, while American hazel, Corylus americana, is suitable for zone 3. You can find live American hazelnut trees available online.
5. Elderberry
Elderberry shrubs add floral charm and fragrance to any garden.
Elder shrubs are perfect for informal hedgerows when embracing wild gardening. Most species thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 or 6 and tolerate both sunny and shady spots, though they bloom best in sunlight. They can grow up to 10 or 15 feet tall, so plant them toward the back for ample space.
Native species include the American elder, Sambucus canadensis, with blue-black berries, and the red elder, Sambucus racemosa, known for its crimson fruits. Ripe elderberries are edible and great for making jellies, jams, or wines, while elderflowers can be harvested for refreshing cordial.
