The Hedge Man FAQ's
Here are some commonly asked questions about hedging, gardening, and lawn care, along with the answers!
Hedges
Lilly Pilly
Q. What is a Lilly Pilly hedge?
A. Lilly Pillyare a group of evergreen shrubs and trees native to Australia and PapuaNew Guinea, known for their attractive foliage and colourful berries. They arepopular for use as hedges due to their fast growth and ability to form dense screens,reaching heights of up to 10 meters.
Q. How much water do Lilly Pillies need?
A. Lilly Pillies are drought-tolerant once established but require regular wateringduring the initial months after planting. It's best to water deeply and infrequently,allowing the soil to dryout between waterings. This practice encourages deep rootgrowth, enhancing drought resistance. Litres per hour per tree varies, depending onheight and time of year.
Q. How often should I prune my Lilly Pilly hedge?
A. Pruning frequency depends on the desired appearance. For a formal hedge,pruning every 4-8 weeks is recommended, while for general maintenance, removingdead or diseased branches as needed is sufficient. If shaping into a topiary, morefrequent trimming may be required.
Q. What type of soil is best for Lilly Pillies?
A. Lilly Pillies prefer well-draining soil and can thrive in various soil types. It's crucialto avoid waterlogged conditions, which can harm the plants root system.
Q. How do I fertilise my Lilly Pilly?
A. Fertilising promotes healthy growth and helps with pest and disease prevention.It's advisable to use a balanced fertiliser every 6 months and consider a monthly liquid feed during the growing season. Contact The Hedge Man for more details.
Q. What pests and diseases should I be aware of?
A. Common issues include psyllids, which cause leaf distortion, and chewinginsects such as lilly pilly beetle. Regular monitoring and maintaining plant health through proper watering and fertilisation can help prevent these problems. Ifinfestations occur, specific treatments may be necessary, contact The Hedge Man for further advice.
Q. How far apart should I plant Lilly Pillies for a hedge?
A. For a dense hedge, planting Lilly Pillies about 1 to 1.5 meters apart is recommended. This spacing allows them to grow together while maintaining good air circulation.
Q. Can Lilly Pillies be used for privacy screening?
A. Yes, Lilly Pillies are excellent for creating privacy screens due to their fast growth and dense foliage. They can effectively block views and noise, making them a popular choice for residential gardens.
Q. Are there any specific care tips for maintaining a Lilly Pilly hedge?
A. To maintain a healthy hedge, ensure consistent watering, regular trimming, and timely fertilisation. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppressweeds. Additionally, keeping an eye out for pests and diseases is crucial for long-term health.
Pittosporum
Murraya Paniculata
Q. How fast does a Murraya hedge grow?
A.Murraya paniculata is a fast-growing plant, taking about 3-4 years to reach its full height. It grows faster in the ground than in pots.
Q. How far apart should I plant Murraya for a hedge?
A. Plant Murraya shrubs about 1 meter apart when creating a hedge.
Q. What's the best location to plant a Murraya hedge?
A. Murraya thrives in sunny spots with light shade. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
Q. How often should I water my Murraya hedge?
A. Water deeply but infrequently, especially during summer. Check if the top 5cm of soil is dry before watering.
Q. What type of fertilizer is best for Murraya?
A. Use a balanced NPK fertiliser, organic humus-rich fertilisers, or fortified syntheticfertilisers. Apply fertiliser every 2-3 months.
Q. How often should I prune my Murraya hedge?
A. Prune lightly 2-3 times a year in spring and summer, with a final prune in autumnafter flowering.
Q. What are common problems with Murraya hedges?
A. Common issues include yellowing leaves (due to overwatering or nutrient deficiencies), pests like aphids and soil nematodes, and bacterial infections like Yellow Dragon disease.
Q. Is Murraya paniculata considered invasive?
A. In some parts of Australia, particularly Queensland, Murraya paniculata is considered an invasive weed. It's important to source plants carefully and avoid those grown from seed.
Q. Are Murraya hedges toxic to pets or humans?
A. Murraya is non-toxic and safe for humans and pets. In fact, it's edible, though the taste may be acquired.
Q. Do Murraya hedges produce flowers?
A. Yes, Murraya produces fragrant white flowers that bloom several times a year, especially in spring and summer.
Q. Can Murraya be grown in pots? A, Yes, dwarf varieties of Murraya can be grown in pots. Use a 300mm pot with drainage holes.
Grevillea
Q, How fast do Grevillea hedges grow?
A. Grevillea species are fast-growing plants, with many varieties capable of reaching their full height within 3-5 years.
Q. What spacing is recommended for planting a Grevillea hedge?
A. For most Grevillea species, planting 1-1.5 meters apart is suitable for creating a dense hedge. However, this may vary depending on the specific variety.
Q. What height can Grevillea hedges reach?
A. Grevillea hedges can vary in height depending on the species. Some compact varieties may only reach 1-2 meters, while larger species can grow up to 3-4 meters tall.
Q. How often should I prune my Grevillea hedge?
A. Grevillea "Robyn Gordon" is best suited to only intermittent pruning, once or twice a year. This approach allows for a more informal hedge appearance and promotes better flowering.
Q. What type of soil is best for Grevillea hedges?
A. Grevilleas prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soils. They are often tolerant of poorsoils but may struggle in heavy clay.
Q. How much water do Grevillea hedges need?
A. Once established, many Grevillea species are drought tolerant. However, regular watering during establishment and occasional deep watering during dry periods is beneficial.
Q. Are Grevillea hedges prone to any specific pests or diseases?
A. Grevilleas can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. They may also occasionally face issues with scale insects or leaf-miners.
Q. Do Grevillea hedgesattract wildlife?
A. Yes, Grevillea flowers are known to attract nectar-feeding birds and insects,making them valuable for wildlife gardens.
Q. Do Grevillea hedges flower?
A. Yes, most Grevillea species produce attractive flowers. The flowering period can vary, but many bloom for extended periods throughout the year. Regular trimming promotes flowering.
Q. Are Grevillea hedges suitable for coastal gardens?
A. Many Grevillea species are well-adapted to coastal conditions, tolerating saltspray and sandysoils. However, this can vary by specific variety.