Shrubs for Hedge

[WVH1977]

I am looking at putting in a 100ft hedge. Looking at 6 plus feet height. I want it to be evergreen. I like so many different ones and this is becoming a hard decision. I am in the eastern part of Virginia in Zone 7b. I would like it to be a shrub that can take pruning as well.

Any opinions/suggestions welcomed.

 

[old and tired]

...I like so many different ones...

I would plant all different ones, a mix of the ones you like or repeat planting of the best ones that you like.

Planting all of the same exact thing (to me) is boring. And in the case of Leyland Cypress, once bag worms get establish they can spread much quicker. Or if a disease its variety, it's less likely to spread.

Don't plant a single row either. Plant it like a wind break, a few feet wide, smaller in front then the taller plants in the back.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Sorry to be a nay-sayer... but for my 10-cents, I'll never plant another Lelaynd Cypress. We planted about 10 about ten years ago for 'a quick visual barrier'. They did next to nothing for 5 years; grew to maybe 5' tall. Then they went completely crazy. The next 5 years the blew up to over 30' tall. And I think they're still growning taller. Perhaps they got a good bit more rainfall in that last 5 years.

At the same time I plant my 10, I planted 25 for my S-I-L, but unfortunately - under her power line. She watered her's religouesly. Within 5 years the power company made her chop down every one - they had grown to over 35' tall and were banging on her power line.

Granted, if you want quick & cheap, go with the Leyland Cypress. I think we paid $2 for the 1-gallon bucket size ones. Give them a little water on occasion and you'l have your wall. Little or no maintenance. Just be deligent in keeping them topped once a year or so. Otherwise, I say go with a hedge or shrub.

 

[Oaktree]

How about rhododendrons (assuming they'll grow in Va.)? They keep their leaves year round, even here in northern N.H. You can't kill them, and they'll spread out once they're established. Pruning isn't just tolerated, it's pretty much a necessity.