When frost threatens your garden, having the right hedging trees can make all the difference. Forget the clichés, and let's get straight to the facts. Here are our top recommendations for hedging trees that stand tall against frost.
Portuguese Laurels (Prunus lusitanica)
Portuguese Laurels are champions when it comes to guarding your garden against frost. These evergreen trees not only provide an elegant privacy screen but also tolerate chilly temperatures with ease. With dense, glossy foliage, they make a stunning backdrop for any garden.
Key Facts to Know:
- Mature Height: Up to 6 meters
- Mature Width: 2-3 meters
- Best Uses: Ideal for hedging and screening
- Leaf Appearance: Glossy, dark green leaves
- Rate of Growth: Medium
- Tolerates: Frost, coastal conditions, and wind
- Additional Features: White flowers in summer and red berries in winter.
Bay Trees (Laurus nobilis)
Bay trees, often associated with culinary uses, also serve as excellent hedging options for frost-prone gardens. Their aromatic leaves are not only flavorful but also fend off frost, providing a touch of Mediterranean elegance to your landscape.
Key Facts to Know:
- Mature Height: Up to 6 meters
- Mature Width: 3-4 meters
- Best Uses: Great for hedging and topiary
- Leaf Appearance: Glossy, dark green leaves
- Rate of Growth: Slow to medium
- Tolerates: Frost, salt, and drought
- Additional Features: Culinary leaves and fragrant foliage.
Any Pear Tree (Pyrus Varieties)
Pear trees, with their hardy nature, are excellent choices for frost-resistant hedging. Whether you opt for Pyrus calleryana 'Capital' or Pyrus ussuriensis, their beautiful blossoms and fruit-bearing qualities make them valuable additions to your garden.
Key Facts to Know:
- Mature Height: Varies by variety
- Mature Width: Varies by variety
- Best Uses: Suitable for hedging, fruit production, and ornamental purposes
- Leaf Appearance: Green leaves; some varieties offer vibrant autumn colors
- Rate of Growth: Medium to fast
- Tolerates: Frost, a range of soil types, and wind
- Additional Features: Spring blossoms and edible fruits.
Leighton Green (Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Leighton's Green')
Leighton Green, a Leyland Cypress variety, stands tall against frost, creating a natural privacy screen. Its rapid growth and dense foliage make it an effective shield against the cold, while also providing a lush green backdrop.
Key Facts to Know:
- Mature Height: Up to 12 meters
- Mature Width: 3-4 meters
- Best Uses: Perfect for hedging and screening
- Leaf Appearance: Fine, feathery green foliage
- Rate of Growth: Fast
- Tolerates: Frost, a variety of soils, and coastal conditions
- Additional Features: Rapid growth for quick results.
Tolleys Upright Olive (Olea europaea 'Tolleys Upright')
Tolleys Upright Olive trees bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden while being frost-hardy. With their slender, upright growth, they offer a unique visual element while keeping frost at bay.
Key Facts to Know:
- Mature Height: Up to 5 meters
- Mature Width: 2-3 meters
- Best Uses: Ideal for hedging, screen, or standalone feature
- Leaf Appearance: Silver-green, narrow leaves
- Rate of Growth: Slow to medium
- Tolerates: Frost, coastal conditions, and wind
- Additional Features: Edible olives for culinary use.
Conclusion
When frost creeps into your garden, don't compromise on your green paradise. These top hedging trees—Portuguese Laurels, Bay Trees, Pear Trees, Leighton Green, and Tolleys Upright Olives—are your allies in the battle against the cold. Elevate your garden's defenses and enjoy the beauty they bring year-round.
