The following shrubs are recommended for informal (unclipped) hedges or screens. Each species grows to a height of less than six (6) feet; therefore, these shrubs are appropriate for semi-opaque screens.
(1) Glossy abelia (Abelia grandiflora). Height: four (4) to six (6) feet; spread: three (3) to five (5) feet. Abelia is quite common in local nurseries and tends to be less expensive than other shrubs on this list. It bears pale pink flowers throughout the summer. Although it has proven quite popular for informal hedges, it has several drawbacks. Abelia should be pruned and thinned to maintain its best form. It may drop its leaves due to low temperatures, lack of pruning or starvation.
(2) Warty barberry (Berberis verruculosa). Height: three (3) to four (4) feet; spread: three (3) to four (4) feet. Barberries as a group have proven to be excellent hedge plants. With their dense, spiny limbs, they are effective barriers in public places. The warty barberry is a shrub with a neat, compact habit. It is soil tolerant and has no special maintenance requirements. It grows slowly, but it will reach a height of three (3) to four (4) feet within five (5) years.
