Definition, Uses and Classification of hedge plants are given below:
Definition of hedge:
The plant populations which are planted along the border or on the boundary for fencing purpose are called as hedge.
The low growing perennial plant that are grown on The border, plots, beds, lawns and pathway are called as hedge plant. Each plant play an important role in ornamental horticulture.
Hedge are usually the shrubs. They play an important role in the structure and character of garden and provide many practical uses. It may be ornamental or protective or both. These are also necessary to demarcate the garden from public road and from adjacent garden particularly in flat gardens.
Uses of hedge
Hedge can be used for different purposes mentioned below-
1. Hedge have become an important feature for formed layout of the gardens.
2. It is used to demarcate the garden from all other parts like public road, building etc.
3. It separates the drive and packing area from road, rose garden and any other special features of the garden.
4. Tall hedges are also used to hide the ugly and unwanted scene.
5. They are used for maintaining the privacy of a house from the adjoining houses, especially in urban areas.
6. They are used as wind breakers both in summer and winter months toward hot and cold waves.
7. It also helps to reduce the air and noise pollution.
8. Hedge also provide colorful and showy background for herbaceous border.
9. They raised with beautiful foliage and plants having fragrant flowers increase the beauty of the place.
10. Hedge plants are usually grown for demarcation of a particular feature of a garden. It is also grown along the border.
Classification of hedge plant
According to the purpose of uses, hedges can be classified into the following groups-
1. Tall protective hedges
The plants which are tall and grow to about 1-3m high are selected for hedge. The growth is dense with thorns. This type of plants are Acacia fernesiana, Bougainvillea sp. Etc.
2. Dwarf protective hedge:
The pants of this type should be dwarf having a height of about 1m. They should be thorny and protective in habit. The plants of this group are Opuntia sp. , Pedilanthus, Euphorbia sp.
3. Tall ornamental hedge:
The plant should be tall and ornamental in nature. They should be have attractive leaves. The plants should also produce colorful flowers. Plants are Duranta, Plumeri, Murraya paniculata, Hameliapatens etc.
4. Dwarf ornamental hedge:
The plants which are dwarf (i.e. height of about 1m) and have attractive leaves are used for making ornamental hedge. The suitable plants are Acalypha sp. , Clerodendron inerme, Lantana.
