A hedge gives privacy, blocks dust and noise from the road, and softens a boundary wall. On the Highveld the right plant has to handle frost, hot summers and dry winters.
Popular hedge and screening plants
| Plant | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wild plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) | Indigenous tree, can be kept as a tall screen | Evergreen; grows into a large tree if not trimmed |
| Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) | Indigenous succulent | Very water-wise; best in sunny, sheltered spots, may need frost protection |
| Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) | Indigenous shrub | Fast, orange flowers that attract sunbirds; trim after flowering |
| Pittosporum | Evergreen shrub | Dense, neat hedge; handles frost |
| Murraya (orange jessamine) | Evergreen shrub | Scented flowers; slower growing |
| Viburnum | Evergreen shrub | Tough, good for medium hedges |
| Leyland cypress / conifers | Conifer | Very fast, but needs regular trimming and gets too big if neglected |
Avoid invasive species. Plants such as syringa, Brazilian pepper and lantana are declared invasive in South Africa. Ask your nursery for indigenous or non-invasive alternatives.
Planting tips
- Plant in spring or early summer, when the rains help them establish.
- Space plants according to the final hedge thickness you want, usually closer than you'd think for a dense hedge.
- Water deeply for the first summer, then less often. Mulch the base. See water-wise gardening.
- Keep large hedges and trees away from drains and walls. See trees near the house.
Trimming
- Trim evergreen hedges two or three times in the growing season (spring to late summer) for a dense shape.
- Make the base slightly wider than the top so light reaches the lower branches.
- Avoid heavy trimming just before winter frosts.
- Check for nesting birds before trimming in spring.
See the Highveld pruning calendar for timing by plant type.
Garden service or specialist?
Regular hedge trimming is often part of a weekly garden service, but tall hedges, big cut-backs and removing the waste may be charged extra. For overgrown screens that have become trees, you may need tree felling. See garden service prices in Benoni.