Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 2May 13, 2012 10:42 pm The following is from http://plantworld.com.au/hedge-plants.html Acmena Smithii - Will grow to 6 metres, but are very versatile plants. These plants will tolerate all aspects, they don't mind the full sun, part shade or full shade position. So if you are planning to hedge an area that gets half full sun and half full shade along a boundry this plant is very suitable. Not only does it tolerate all aspects of light, it also tolerates all types of soil and water retention. They don't mind "wet feet" and they can cope during dry spells. Like most plants thou, they do need to be watered reguarly to prevent losses. Acmena Smithii is probably one of the most popular hedge/screening plants on the market. These plants are reasonably shallow rooted therefore a perfect around pools or near driveways, pavers etc where you might be concerned with the root system doing damage. Although these plants can grow to 6 metres at maturity, it is very common to prune at a more manageable height. If you prefer a more boxed up hedge, you can prune at 2-3 metres and maintain with a pole pruner. These plants need to be pruned bi-annually to retain dense foliage. If you don't prune you will get a more natural screening affect. These plants are native to Australia (Qld) and attract bird life, if left unpruned. If you don't want these plants to flower all you need to do is prune the flowers off when they are going into bud and this will prevent any flowers or berries appearing on the plant. Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 3May 13, 2012 11:11 pm Hi sco77k, how about a Photinia? Red Robin is a popular variety. . . we have some actually (we're in Camden, South-West Sydney)! They grow quite tall, and most importantly, quite fast. Unlike treesachanger's Acmena Smithii though, they can suffer from root rot if they don't have adequate drainage. . . we have a couple of Acmenas as well as our Photinias. . . we've found that the Acmenas aren't really that thick as a hedge. I'd prefer the Photinia if you're looking for privacy. Viburnum Odoratissimum also seems to work well in Sydney! Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 4May 13, 2012 11:44 pm jodge we've found that the Acmenas aren't really that thick as a hedge. I'd prefer the Photinia if you're looking for privacy. Viburnum Odoratissimum also seems to work well in Sydney! I think the thickness of the Acmena hedge is determined by whether you prune or not, as the ones I've seen have been very dense... Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 6May 14, 2012 11:01 am sco77k Hi, I am after suggestions for a hedge plant that can grow in 20-25cm deep garden bed. The taller growing the better. I am in Sydney. Thanks! Hi, do you mean soil depth as in downwards or is your garden bed 20-25cm wide as in from the fence? If its width I would extend the fence polls and run wires/mesh and train a climber across it. You will get far quicker coverage this way. Trachelospermum Jasminoides is ideal as it holds leaf close to ground and doesn't tend to scrabble to the top of the fence and sit on top. It grows in shade also. Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 8May 17, 2012 1:43 pm If that's the case, who knows, you might get the effect of a closed-in planter box with little soil in it and nowhere to drain the excess water to - but this can only be established for sure by yourself (by digging ). Otherwise, if you didn't find sandstone, I was going to suggest murraya paniculata. We demolished a super advanced shrub/tree (about 2-3 m high and 2-3 m wide, and that was with regular trimming and pruning!). We found very small roots . We had another 2 plants about 1.5m high each and they also had minimal root balls! So I'm thinking that these plants are a better choice to use in those areas we normally dread to plant, like for example closer to the house, retaining walls, concrete, brick fences and the like (but still not too close!). My signature is distracting people from my wise posts ... Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 9May 17, 2012 5:29 pm Check the drainage by putting about 50mm of water into the bottom of the hole and timing how long it takes to soak through. Repeat this a few times, if the water is still in the bottom of the hole 24 hours later you have issues. This can be rectified with ag drains and by raising the soil height. Even if it drains away well you will need to raise the soil height to at least 30cm so the plants dont stress on the first hot day of summer. Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 11May 17, 2012 6:03 pm Not necessarily. Soak the holes a few times. Re: Hedge plant with shallow root system? 13Aug 19, 2012 11:35 am Growing a plant that will be taller in 20cm of soil depth may not go so well in the heat or during windy conditions. There may not be enough moisture available in the soil to supply the plant in heat and wind. The more foliage on the plant, the greater the water needs in restricted conditions. It may also be stressed and become prone to pest and disease. Would anyone on this forum know of a builder/company in Brisbane with house designs for a shallow block. I have a block 20 x 20 so with front and rear set backs I need a… 0 5222 0 5004 Once you know the basics, the rest is easy. Read my post in the thread linked below. viewtopic.php?p=1919271#p1919271 2 20438 |