The creation of a protective structure is carried out not only from artificial materials. Planting of shrubs, trees or herbs will become great solution the question of what to build a fence from. If the owner of the territory doubts the protective properties of a fence made of plantings, then one should pay attention to thorny varieties of shrubs.

How to choose the right thorny bush for a hedge

Before you begin calculations for erecting a green fence, you need to decide on the height of the future fence. When the owner of a plot of land cannot choose one level of fencing, he can plant a multi-tiered fence.

There are three groups of shrubs according to their growth:

1. Tall bushes. They grow more than 2 meters and are used to create real living walls.
2. Medium shrubs. They reach a length of 50 centimeters to 2 meters. Used to make a green fence.
3. Low growing varieties. Their height does not exceed 50 centimeters, they are used for decorating flower beds, flower beds, framing paths and paths.

Thorny vegetation can be deciduous or coniferous, deciduous or evergreen.

Preference should be given to such varieties when the owner of the territory wants to increase the level of protection of the space from the invasion of animals or unauthorized persons.

Purchase planting material should only be done in specialized nurseries or gardening stores. Purchasing raw materials from unverified sellers will increase the risk of replacing one subspecies with another or selling too young seedlings.

Seedlings of thorny bushes themselves are a fairly economical choice for erecting a protective structure. But one or another type of vegetation should be selected based on the type and composition of the soil on the site.

Almost all subspecies of thorny shrubs are undemanding to care and survive winter and dry periods well.

Popular shrubs for planting hedges

Green plantings with thorns create impassable protection for the allotment from the penetration of uninvited guests.

Gooseberry It has a long fruiting period, which, with proper care, reaches 20 years. A light-loving plant in a shady place will produce less fruit, and the berries themselves will be noticeably smaller. Does not like excess moisture, because when large quantities water in the soil contributes to the beginning of the process of rotting of the root system. This only means that the bush will die. You can plant seedlings in spring or autumn. Experienced gardeners give preference autumn planting, because it is difficult to have time to place the young after the soil has thawed, but before buds set. When planting, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 1 to 2 meters between the bushes, in accordance with the size of the adult plant. Loves loose soil, grows better and bears fruit on it. It is required to fertilize the plant abundantly every year.

Turn grows no more than 2 meters, is a species with an abundance of thorns, which do not reduce the decorative qualities of the planting. Saplings of this plant you can just take it in the forest. Blackthorns are planted at a depth of 60-80 centimeters, and the width of the dig corresponds to the size of the root system. Fertilize the bush better with a mixture compost with manure. It is necessary to systematically subject it to mechanical processing and thin out the roots. Has such a high growth rate that after 2 years plot of land a real one is formed hedge. Fruits with edible berries. It can grow up to 4 meters and tolerates frost well. The bush is pliable, but does not lose its appearance when growing freely.

It is distinguished by its endurance, reaching a length of 6 to 8 meters. The spines are located on the trunk and grow up to 5 centimeters. The fruits set approximately 7 years after planting in a new place. Hawthorn berries are edible and used for medicinal purposes. It is fairly easy to care for, but should be watered monthly, and during drought periods, watering is carried out twice a month. The bush is easy to cut; it holds the shape it was given well. But even without pruning it won’t lose decorative characteristics. For planting, seedlings aged from 3 to 6 years are purchased, because they take root better. During the first two years of growth on new soil, the bushes are not cut, and formative pruning is done only when the trunk roots reach a diameter of 1.5-2 centimeters.

Bush rose is a very decorative vegetation, loves well-lit parts of the territory. If there is not enough light, the rose shoots will stretch unattractively, and flowering will become very rare. Absorbs for a long time in shady areas rainwater, resulting in moisture stagnation. This increases the risk of bush disease. A plant located in direct sunlight can burn from excess lighting. Grows best on loamy soil. It is recommended to drain the soil from sand and apply fertilizer regularly. You can immerse it inside the ground in spring or autumn. Planting material must reach the age of 3 years and have a developed root system. Do not plant diseased plants, seedlings with mold, growths or pests.

Rose hip - very decorative vegetation that takes root very quickly under new conditions. Prefers sunny places. Planted inside a trench no more than 60 centimeters deep. The bush grows quickly, so it is recommended to plant it in one row, maintaining a distance of 50 centimeters between seedlings. It is necessary to limit the growth of the root system, otherwise young shoots will fill a significant part of the soil in the plot. The planting, which is undemanding to the soil, requires regular watering, abundantly twice a month. Every year you should feed the soil with a specialized mixture for rose bushes. It blooms luxuriantly and bears fruit abundantly, regardless of whether fertilizers have been applied or not.

otherwise called prickly cherry. Grows up to 2 meters tall. The decorative qualities of prinsepiya are enhanced by long curved rods. It resembles a liana and can move to other plants on the land. The berries ripen in the form of a spherical drupe of a bright red hue. The fruits are edible and are used to make jams, preserves, compotes, and dried fruits. The disadvantage of cherry berries is the large stone with a relatively small amount of pulp. The flowering period is accompanied by medium-sized yellow flowers with pleasant aroma. The flowers are collected in the axils of the foliage in quantities from 1 to 4 pieces. The vegetation is included in the list of plantings included in the Red Book.

reaches a length of no more than 100 centimeters. Tolerates winter well. The crown grows from the end of April, and sheds its leaves in mid-October. It begins to bloom at the end of the first ten days of May and lasts 2.5 weeks. It bears fruit with beans closed inside the pods from mid-August. Undemanding to the composition of the soil and its acidity level. It develops better in well-lit places. Powerful roots help strengthen the soil under the plant. Excellent resistance to mechanical treatment. Can be planted individually or in groups.

- a representative that grows about 1 meter high and 1.5 meters wide. Grows under any conditions and grows quickly. The crown consists of leaves of rich green color with light bronze, which gives way to winter time red or purple color. The period of flowering and berry set occurs somewhat late. Mahonia blooms with yellow flowers that look like large heads. The shrub begins to bloom and bear fruit only after 3 years. However, to get a harvest, you will need to plant two bushes at once: a male and a female, since the plant needs pollination. Unpretentious to soil type, requires soil drainage equipment. It is characterized by a low growth rate, pleasant scent of flowers, and durability. It is better to plant on the sunny side of the plot of land or in partial shade.

is tall variety plants reach a height of up to 6 meters. The foliage is a pleasant silver-green color and the berries ripen bright orange. Does not require careful care, grows quite quickly. The first fruits ripen 3 years from the date of planting. For better growth, you should regularly loosen the soil and water moderately. In order for the trunk to grow into a large number of trunks, after planting a seedling with one stem, it is shortened. For the first three years of establishment, the plant is not cut, but upon reaching this age, moderate pruning is carried out. Fruiting bushes must be provided with additional sanitary and mechanical treatment. After 6-8 years, the bush is rejuvenated, and after 10 years, the crown will need to be lowered.

grows quickly, gives edible berries, which are used to make jam, compotes, is also included in medicines from a cold. The growth of shoots is very difficult to control, therefore, if raspberries are planted on the border of two areas, it should be fenced off with a fence made of artificial materials. To increase the protective characteristics of a hedge, the bushes are planted in a checkerboard pattern, maintaining 30-35 centimeters between them. The seedlings are planted inside separate holes of shallow depth. Mechanical processing of green fencing is carried out twice a year: in spring and autumn. The decorative qualities of raspberry plantings can be enhanced by cutting them at the same level. It is possible to obtain the most even surface using a stretched rope.

Rules and nuances of planting a barbed fence

The first step in creating a protective structure is always making a plan. The diagram takes into account the location of the future hedge, the amount of planting material, the depth and width of the dig.

Spiny ones, depending on the type, are planted either inside the trench or individual holes are dug. It is imperative to lay a drainage layer at the bottom of the dug space and apply fertilizer. Drainage can be made from sand, which will also help regulate the level of soil fertility.

Seedlings must be carefully straightened out the root system. Fill the free space between the bush and the edge of the dig with local soil or buy enriched soil in specialized stores. At the end of the process, the soil must be thoroughly compacted and watered abundantly.

Despite the unpretentiousness thorny plants, almost all of them love abundant, regular watering without stagnation of water. To avoid moisture retention under the bushes, soil drainage must be done even at the planting stage. If you skip this stage of planting, then the plants will often begin to get sick from excess moisture, their root system will begin to rot, and as a result, the shrubs will soon die.

You should not plant bushes near paths or paths on the site, as there is a high risk of injury, damage to clothes and shoes.

The average waiting time for a real green fence to grow is 3-4 years. The more densely the plant seedlings are planted, the denser and more impassable the fence will be.

During the first two years of establishment, the bushes are not pruned, but you can trim them so much that only 10 centimeters remain, but this manipulation will stimulate branching.

In the third year of growth, it is possible to attach young growth to trellises, which will make the lower part of the plantings more dense.

Only after 4 years of growth in a new location is it possible to give the plantings the desired shape. To maintain it, you will need to regularly subject the plantings to mechanical treatment. This frequency is directly related to the high growth rate of the bush, the rapid growth of rhizomes and shoots.

Many varieties do not lose their protective and decorative qualities when grown freely. Mechanical treatment of thorny plantings is required to maintain sanitary conditions of growth, as well as to control the growth of shoots.

Video instructions for planting a thorn hedge:

With the help of a hedge you can revive and hide unsightly places.

A fence made of bushes can separate the property from prying eyes like a solid fence, while remaining a magnificent decorative element.

Thorny shrubs are ideal for hedges, as they are able to brilliantly perform both functions - aesthetic and protective.

In addition to the fact that a hedge is extremely picturesque, it can be used to successfully disguise inexpressive household gardens.

By absorbing dust and noise, it makes living on the estate more comfortable.

A lush, evergreen living wall provides the perfect backdrop for exquisite garden arrangements.

Fences perform well even in harsh Russian conditions.

If the wall of plants is of sufficient height and is grown from thorny bushes, then it becomes an insurmountable obstacle for people and animals all year round.

The older the plantings, the denser and more inaccessible they become, surpassing in strength such popular materials as profiled metal sheets. Hedges can withstand wind very well, since their structure, despite the external density, is still quite transparent.

Plant walls strengthen the soil with their root system. Hedges are grown not only in park alleys, but also in gardens, in close proximity to perennial flower and berry crops.

Performing the function of snow retention, they help preserve the delicate shoots of roses and hydrangeas. Adding even low-growing hedges along garden paths leads to an overall improvement in the microclimate.

Abundantly flowering shrubs, such as rose hips and acacia, attract bees to the site, helping to increase the yield of fruit, berry crops and vegetables. It is preferable to choose honey plants with an early or mid-flowering period.

Most breeds are incredibly thorny, so no animal larger than a mouse will pass through them. Hedges have been erected for several centuries due to their excellent barrier and decorative qualities.

Height of hedge

The height of barrier plantings is determined by the owners in advance, and based on this, they are already selected required types plants. The tallest hedges are obtained by trellis growing.

Crops such as white acacia at good lighting grow up to 4 meters, but at the same time they remain quite loose and cannot fully serve as an obstacle.

Shrubs planted in quality can, if not eliminate, then significantly reduce the intensity of drafts. It is known that low-growing fruit and berry crops, which do not grow higher than 2 meters, feel very good next to a hedge. It is important that the tree is not shaded.

The height of a hedge depends on its purpose. When designing a fence around a site, it is necessary to choose tall species that can reach 2 meters or more.

Almost all shrubs that are used in modern landscape design can reach this size. Select thorny bushes for hedges based on photos and descriptions; their dimensions are clearly visible.

When forming bushes, you need to understand that almost every plant species is capable of growing high, but not all of them can be used to form a thick and dense fence. For example, hawthorn in single or wild plantings capable of reaching a height of 5 - 7 meters, but at the same time it takes on shape.

With regular pruning, which is required to grow dense hedges, this plant will not reach this size.

Hawthorn, rose hips and juniper are perfect for forming hedges of small height, provided they are pruned in a timely manner.

Hawthorn has a strong root system. This hardy, long-lived plant can withstand dry summers and frosty winters with little snow.

It does not take root only in permafrost conditions; all other climatic zones are suitable for it. Elastic branches intertwine and form an impenetrable wall that even small animals cannot overcome.

Hawthorn reproduces mainly by root layering, which favorable conditions and in the absence of restrictions, they can grow throughout the entire estate. From the moment of planting to reaching 1.5 meters, an average of 3 – 5 years passes. It grows for a long time; in old gardens in Europe there are hedges made from it that are up to 200 years old.

yellow acacia

Caragana or yellow acacia is a very common shrub throughout Russia.

It has long flexible branches that hang down under the weight of the rich foliage, forming voluminous compositions.

It tolerates cutting perfectly and is easy to shape.

The branches of the acacia tree have sparse thorns.

This plant loves sunny places, so in dense plantings with a lack of light, some of the shoots die off.

Because of this, acacia hedges are not dense, but their excellent decorative qualities compensate for this drawback.

Caragana reproduces well by root layering and cuttings and grows quickly. In 2 - 3 seasons you can get tall hedges that bloom profusely from April to June.

Acacia is an excellent honey plant that attracts pollinating insects during the flowering period of fruit trees.

It is well acclimatized, therefore it has strong immunity and is practically not affected by diseases. Loves abundant watering, but does not grow well in shaded areas.

Rose hip

A low-growing shrub, distinguished, like all Rosaceae, by tree-like strong branches dotted with short and needle-sharp spines. Rose hips rarely grow to a height of more than one and a half meters, especially with regular haircuts.

IN single landings can reach 2 - 3 meters, but then it looks more like a tree than a bush.

Rose hips are resistant to frost and other climate vagaries characteristic of Middle Strip. It tolerates well, after which it produces many young branches.

Over 3-4 years of regular molding it forms a very dense barrier. The fence looks curly and light, but in fact neither cats nor the neighbor's dogs can cross it.

Rose hips bloom in late June - July, spreading a very pleasant, unobtrusive aroma. You can create hedges from plants with the same petal color, or you can plant different varieties interspersed, then it will turn out bright and stylish element landscape design. In autumn, rose hips bear fruit - bright red berries that can be used in food as a rich source of vitamins.

Blackthorn

The prickly plum is a medium-height shrub that, when growing, forms impenetrable thickets. The thorns are rare and very sharp, almost invisible among the small leaves.

The branches are dark gray in color and covered with bark. small, oval, their number is not large, therefore decorative effect This shrub is rated as mediocre.

The main advantage of the blackthorn is its ability to form impenetrable thickets.

The prickly plum lends itself well to pruning, grows quickly, actively produces root layers, sometimes this process is beyond any control. It is not recommended to plant it near cultivated stone fruit plants.

A crowded planting attracts pests that can fly to plums, peaches, cherries or apple trees.

Sea ​​buckthorn

A thorny shrub that bears bright orange small fruits in early autumn. In rare plantings and in the absence of pruning, the plant takes on a tree-like form, but if it is formed, it can form impenetrable thickets.

The small leaves of sea buckthorn have a bluish-greenish color and appear almost white in the bright sun. Long thorns and tough branches form a serious obstacle that neither people nor animals can overcome.

Sea buckthorn actively grows from the roots, tolerates pruning well and grows quickly in sunny places. The berries have a sour taste and pronounced aroma; they are used in food in any form, being a rich source of potassium and vitamin C.

Fruits that cannot be collected remain on the bushes all winter and serve as food for birds. Coniferous plants are not suitable for thorny hedges, since their branches are too soft, they grow for a very long time and only a few species tolerate pruning.

Formation of bushes, pruning

Despite the fact that they are used to form hedges different types plants, the principles of planting and pruning are common to all. Planting is done in late autumn or spring at a distance of 15–20 cm from each other in one or several rows.

Those plants that were able to take root are pruned after a year according to the standard pattern.

In order to create dense growth and prevent plants from turning into trees, the main trunk is completely removed, this happens in early spring, when viable buds have already awakened.

The lowest of them will form the branches of the future bush. Two or three lower buds are preserved, and everything above is mercilessly cut off.

IN this year pruning is not repeated, giving the plants the opportunity to grow the maximum number of branches. Next spring, the regrown branches are also pruned, leaving 3–4 buds on them and allowed to grow again.

By the third year the bush is sufficient, and the first shoots already appear from the roots. From this point on, pruning can be done twice a year.

The hedge is fully formed by 4–5 years, rose hips grow a little faster, hawthorn and sea buckthorn form more slowly. A finished living fence should be trimmed twice a year. The first is done in early spring, when the branches are open and the dead ones can be removed and new ones started to grow.

The bushes are refined for the second time in late autumn for sanitary purposes. Intermediate haircut in summer months It has rather a decorative function; it is used to give the fence clear geometric shapes.

Rose hips grow well on supports or trellises. To do this, a frame of metal rods is mounted, on which the branches of the plants will rest in the future.

With this method of growing, rose hips require minimal pruning, and the formation process will consist of timely fastening of the branches and giving them the desired appearance. Trellis planting is good because the hedge is taller and the plants get more light.

It is obvious that without human intervention even the most best plant will not form a hedge of the desired shape, so pruning - the most important stage work. How to form a green fence - on video:

Landscape design: principles of constructing a harmonious composition

A thorny fence is not only a decorative, but also a protective object. The sharp thorns of some bushes pose a serious danger, so it is unwise to place them near a children's playground or near gazebos.

Hedges should not shade other plants, so it is wise to maintain a distance of 2 meters from permanent plantings.

For such a fence made of bushes, it is a real field for creativity. Hedges can have a strict appearance and a clear geometric shape, or they can create the impression of a wild, overgrown garden.

The reddish small leaves of hawthorn look ideal in combination with coniferous plantings. Delicate acacia is beautiful in itself and can transform any landscape.

The decision about what the future hedge will look like is made even before choosing seedlings, because the appearance depends to a large extent on the plant and its characteristics.

Over the centuries, bushes have been used to form fences, alleys and labyrinths. They are not only amazingly beautiful, but also bring great benefits to the site, creating a favorable microclimate.

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A thorny shrub up to 3 m high, highly branched. Distributed in the forest-steppe in the south, up to the Crimea and the Caucasus inclusive.

A thorny bush, densely branched, with widely spreading shoots, pressed to the ground. The flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter, with large yellow anthers, located on short stalks along the shoots, appearing from 3 to 4 years. The fruits are apples and ripen in October. They are lemon-yellow in color, fragrant, and have a short stem.

Prickly bush with edible fruits, grown as a hedge.

A thorny bush or tree of the plum genus. The mountainside was densely covered with thickets of thorny thorns.

Ornamental fruit thorny shrubs suitable for hedges. The wood is as hard as bone (sp. However, many species are distributors of the grain rust Puccinia gra-minis. The least affected species are Japanese barberry - B. III - VIII; Turkestan barberry, black - V.

This thorny bush medium-sized, up to 2 m high, with a dense wide crown and thin arched drooping shoots, with light gray bark. The light green foliage gives the prinsepia a very delicate, elegant appearance. The leaves are oblong, narrow (5 - 8 cm long), on thin short petioles, pale yellow in autumn.

Seedlings of thorny bushes (for example, hawthorn) are planted along the frame at a distance of 20 - 30 cm from each other. As soon as the seedlings become stronger, their upper part is cut off almost to the base. The lateral shoots grown from the base are intertwined and directed along the frame, tying them. After a few years, the need for a frame disappears, and maintenance consists of periodic pruning of the bush.

Rvach-003 is used for collecting berries from thorny bushes and is a Rvach-002 with a cut-off neck, into which the berry picker’s hand is inserted instead of a pole. Complete protection from thorns allows the hand to show special zeal whenever it wants, but is pricked.

Euphorbia splendens Bojer is a xerophytic thorny shrub up to 2 m tall, from the island of Madagascar. The stem is abundantly branched, convoluted, with dark purple spines. The flowers are small, yellow, in corymbose inflorescences, with bright scarlet covering leaves, giving the plant highly decorative. Of the peculiarities of the culture, you need to know that cut cuttings are placed in a bowl for half an hour before rooting. warm water to allow the milky juice to drain. Recommended for compositions winter garden, flower gardens and as a tapeworm, however, this plant should not be used for landscaping schools and kindergartens, since the milky juice of all euphorbias is poisonous.

Two-row hedge.

This fence is created from trees or thorny bushes. It is recommended to apply lightly; growing tree species: honey locust, maklura, common and small-leaved elm, birch bark, hornbeam, Ussuri pear, Siberian apple, cherry plum, Magaleb cherry, sand acacia. The range of thorny shrub species is selected taking into account local conditions.

In those days when metal structures were inaccessible to humans, fences made from plants were very popular. In our country they could also be often found. In recent years, interest in them has increased again, due to an increase in the number of owners of summer cottages who, in addition to solving the problem of protecting the territory, strive to have attractive and durable elements on it.

A fence, the basis of which is formed by dense rows of bushes or trees, provides reliable protection not only from the gaze of others, but also from dust and noise. Such a fence makes the air cleaner, saturating it with oxygen, which is an additional reason why you should opt for living fencing. And if the owner wants the hedge to serve him for a long time, then he needs to decide what types of plants to use to create it. You can get an answer to this question only by knowing about the qualities that certain species of shrubs and trees possess.

Choosing shrubs by height

When deciding what height plants should have, you need to focus on the size of the plot and the area that the owner will allocate for living fencing. Naturally, if more than tall plants, this will create a large shadow from the green fence. According to this, it is possible highlight several types of shrubs for hedges:

Thorny and non-thorny shrubs

If the owner plans to build a hedge for his site, then care must be taken to ensure that it has good protective properties. Based on this feature, they distinguish two groups of plants:

• thorny bushes;
• thornless shrubs.

It is clear to everyone that thorny bushes have needles, and therefore, by erecting a fence from thorny bushes, the owner can be confident of a higher level of protection against illegal entry by people and animals.

• thorny bushes - the best known are gooseberry, blackthorn, hawthorn, rose and rosehip.
• non-thorny. These plants are distinguished by the absence of spines or thorns. These should be considered lilac, currant, and honeysuckle.

After the issue with the height and permeability of the fence has been resolved, it is necessary to decide on appearance future fence.

Deciduous and evergreen shrubs

Considering that shrubs today are presented in a wide variety, the owner of the site has the opportunity to select among them plants that are more suitable for his appearance. As a basis for forming a hedge, you can choose deciduous and coniferous plants. It is difficult to give specific recommendations here, so you need to focus on your own preferences.

Among gardeners, the most common classification of shrubs is deciduous and evergreen.

Deciduous

This refers to plants that begin to shed their leaves with the arrival of autumn. Thus, the owner must take into account the fact that with the onset of winter, the hedge will no longer be as functional as in the summer, since at this time of year it will not be able to protect the house from strangers.

In the warm season, she copes with this task perfectly well, since, starting in early spring and ending in late summer, plants strewn with colorful flowers, foliage or delicious fruits. Special flavor V autumn period The area is endowed with fading foliage, which acquires a crimson or yellowish color during this period.

Judging by the name, these can be considered plants that retain foliage constantly, regardless of the time of year. Within this group, two types of shrubs can be distinguished:

• deciduous;
• conifers.

Deciduous. This group of shrubs can include boxwood, Japanese euonymus, and barberry. Although such plants can decorate a hedge and will not create difficulties with cutting, they often cannot withstand the harsh Russian winters; as a result, with the arrival of spring, dead plants are discovered, which forces the owner to plant new ones.

Conifers. These include spruce, juniper, thuja, and yew. In addition to the fact that these shrubs can withstand negative temperatures and do not create problems in care, they bring considerable benefits to the site, since in the process of their development they saturate the air with phytoncides, which have a positive effect on human health. However, to experience all the benefits of having coniferous plants on the site, you will have to be patient, since they grow quite slowly.

For landscape design, a common practice is when a hedge is formed from two or three plants that differ in their texture or height. Although if the owner decides to take such a step, he will have to prepare for certain difficulties, since it is difficult to make such a mixed hedge. You can simplify the solution to this problem if you first draw up a project on paper.

It should also be borne in mind that each plant requires individual approach , since they have their own requirements for the composition and quality of the soil. Therefore, so that the effort and time spent are not in vain, it will not hurt to first find out which plants will feel best in your area and select plants accordingly.

Thorn bushes for hedges

Among all types of plantings, it is the prickly shrubs that will become the best solution to create an external impenetrable hedge. Although many of them are not afraid of a haircut, the most attractive appearance they are in wild form. Among them there are also those that grow in width, which is why the owner is required to regularly trim them and monitor the growth area.

Conclusion

The hedge provides the owner with summer cottage not only the opportunity to save on the construction of fencing, but also to make the area more beautiful. However, for such a fence to live up to expectations, it is necessary choose plants wisely. If you need a hedge that has the best protective properties, it is recommended to use thorny bushes for it. However, you need to choose them so that the soil on your site is suitable for them.