Trade your thuja for mahonia: Vibrant hedges that withstand winter
The thuja is probably popular plant in our gardens. Although it is most often chosen to serve as a hedge, this trend is slowly becoming outdated. A flowering shrub can successfully replace it.
Nov 16, 2024 | updated: 9:37 AM EST, November 17, 2024
The thuja has been loved for years. In most homes, it is a hedge that decorates and protects the area. However, other plants, such as cherry laurel or boxwood, can serve the same purpose. It's also worth considering common mahonia, which has recently garnered the interest of homeowners.
Plant mahonia instead of thuja
What does common mahonia look like? It is a shrub with dark green leaves that turn red in autumn and winter. Its greatest advantage is its ability to withstand even the harshest winters. Mahonia leaves remain even in December and January.
In spring and summer, mahonia is a beautiful decoration for the yard. Between April and May, it blooms with yellow flowers, and by early autumn, it bears dark blue fruits.
Mahonia prefers well-drained and moderately fertile soils. It reaches about five feet in height. Unlike thuja, pruning is not mandatory. It does not need watering in autumn and winter; however, in summer, it requires watering on average every other day.
What to plant instead of thuja?
Another plant that can be an excellent alternative to thuja is the privet. This shrub is resistant to changing weather conditions. It tolerates light frosts, making it attractive in the garden for most of the year. It can grow up to about ten feet, making it ideal for creating hedges.
The green, oval-lanceolate leaves of the privet beautifully complement its white flowers that appear in summer. Although its fruits are poisonous to humans, they are a favorite food for birds. It prefers sunny or partially shaded locations on well-drained soil.
