Cultivating dense shrubs in perpetually wet substrates can be challenging for any gardener. Unfortunately, some of us might find ourselves with backyards that tend to collect rainwater or simply take forever to dry out. The culprit may be the soil composition of your property or your location relative to sources of either groundwater or stormwater. Living within close proximity to waterbodies can also lead to excess moisture, particularly after floods.
While amending the soil or raising your property’s ground level might work, these can be costly. Instead, you might consider creating natural fences or mass plantings that can thrive in wet soils and even improve their quality. With root systems that tend to spread on their own, gripping fine substrates in the process, self-propagating shrubs can eventually transform into moisture-loving hedges.
Initially, even plants that prefer wet soil conditions may struggle to become well-established throughout their juvenile stages. Purchasing and subsequently planting them as rooted shrubs may expedite their establishment rates. It should also hasten the process of creating a dense hedge. Pay close attention to their lighting and nutrient needs to ensure that they can develop into dense, leafy screens that last.
1) Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)
The Atlantic white cedar is a fine choice for privacy in large landscapes and around extensive properties. This phenomenal tree produces branches along the lower recesses of its lengthy trunk, which can grow to a full height of about 92 feet (28 meters). It can be cultivated as a natural screen for multi-level spaces, such as office and residential buildings. It’s also great for adding a vertical dimension to naturalized backyards in rural areas.
An obligate wetland species, this evergreen conifer requires year-round moisture. In the wild, it often grows close to sources of freshwater. Water tends to pool in depressions surrounding its colonies. The cedar roots can persist in soils with minimal oxygen, which is largely caused by the displacement of air pockets due to the accumulation of water.
Occasionally grown as a Christmas tree in some parts of its native range, the Atlantic white cedar is horticulturally valuable. Its cultivars are known for being durable and for producing decay-resistant wood. Unfortunately, many of its wild wetland habitats are now threatened due to logging and land conversion activities.
2) American hazelnut (Corylus americana)
The American hazelnut naturally forms dense thickets via the self-spreading nature of its suckering roots. Optimal conditions promote its rapid development and spread, ensuring that it can serve as a natural hedge after but a short period of care. This deciduous shrub can grow to a full height of about 16 feet (5 meters). Its mature crown can resemble the canopies of small trees as they may become as wide as 15 feet (4.6 meters)!
Multiple stems arise from the shoots of this shrub, giving it a clump-like appearance. These are crucial to creating a screen for privacy. The twigs tend to be hairy prior to producing 2 to 5-inch (5 – 13 cm) toothed, deep green leaves. These complement the appearance of the shrub’s inflorescences, which take on the form of eye-catching catkins. Once pollinated, the blooms develop into edible nuts! These can draw in all sorts of hungry animals through winter.
Able to thrive in a wide range of conditions, the American hazelnut naturally occurs in moist areas of woodlands, forests, and prairies. Its hedges can function as windbreakers and as thick covers beneath which many wild animals and songbirds can build their nests. Though its foliage tends to die back in temperate zones, the densely packed twigs and nuts continue to provide some cover in winter.
3) Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata)
The winterberry holly can serve as a striking, informal hedge all throughout the year. In winter, its mature branches turn into fiery displays of deep red fruits. These undoubtedly add life to the garden at a time when other plants have died back due to cool temperatures. Come spring, the branches greet warming temperatures with throes of new, deep green foliage. The leaves grow densely enough to create a natural screen for privacy.
Able to grow to a full height of about 16 feet (5 meters), the winterberry holly spreads into dense thickets over moisture-retentive substrates. If it is grown on dry ground, it tends to have a reduced spread as its branches maintain a tighter arrangement. Thus, moist to wet, slightly acidic substrates are necessary if you wish to grow this holly as a hedge plant.
Apart from aiding in soil aeration and protecting your property from onlookers, this holly shrub can serve as an animal-friendly ornamental. Its berries are an important source of nutrients for many small birds, including the American robin (Turdus migratorius).
4) River birch (Betula nigra)
As suggested by its common name, the river birch is often associated with streams in forested wetlands. Its root systems are able to tolerate periodic floods and prolonged periods of moisture retention. Impressively, even its saplings can survive through up to 30 days of submersion in fresh water. Both young and well-established plants require direct sunlight, however, to truly thrive.
Often planted for the purpose of reclaiming mined lands, river birch is partial to growing in acidic substrates. It’s a fantastic choice for areas where other hardwood trees may struggle to thrive. When cultivated in rows, its lively canopy can be dense enough to create natural screens for privacy around the upper floors of homes and office buildings. As a bonus, its branches can serve as healthy focal points on which one can rest their eyes while peering through windows.
On average, healthy river birch trees grow to a full height of about 30 – 70 feet (9 – 21 meters). Their canopies can have a spread of up to about 60 feet (18 meters) wide! A single specimen tree is enough to provide adequate shade and privacy for small to medium homes. Resistant to pollutants, floods, wind, and heat, this native tree is a great choice for rain gardens and recreational areas.
5) Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
One of the most popular hedge plants, boxwood is a remarkably versatile and multi-beneficial shrub. Now widely cultivated outside of its native range, this evergreen species is unmatched when it comes to its reliability as a natural screen for privacy. Its well-structured and shaped hedges can be quite difficult to peer through because of their dense and interlocking branches. These are heavily covered in small, oval-shaped leaves.
Though boxwood favors well-draining substrates, its established stands can easily survive in moisture-retentive soils. Several hours of direct sunlight per day should help its stands tolerate excess water. Chalky soils and a wide range of pH levels are also tolerated. Younger specimens of this species should, however, be placed in areas where their roots are unlikely to remain wet for a long time.
Considered a staple component of homes in the southern landscapes of the US, common boxwood now comes in a range of dwarf and tall cultivars. For privacy, make sure to go for types that can grow to about 10 feet (3 meters) tall. Note that, to encourage their branches to grow in a dense manner, these will likely need to be pruned annually.
6) Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba)
Set apart by the winter appeal of its bare red stems, Siberian dogwood is a vibrant addition to gardens of any size. This deciduous shrub can grow to a full height of about 10 feet (3 meters) in optimal conditions. In fact, some horticulturists prefer to cultivate it as a small tree. Several of its cultivars are exceptionally hardy and have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. These include ‘Sibirica’, ‘Aurea’, and ‘Elegantissima’.
From spring to fall, Siberian dogwood is usually covered in elliptic to ovate leaves. Initially light to deep green (depending on the cultivar), these mask the appearance of their underlying stems. As soon as temperatures begin to drop in fall, the leaves become purple to reddish brown in color! They truly epitomize the concept of a living screen – one that changes in appearance throughout the year.
The bluish winterberries of this species tend to appear in midsummer. Their clusters unfailingly attract birds and several mammalian grazers. Fortunately, mature specimens are deer- and rabbit-resistant. They should continue to add privacy to your property even in the presence of a few visiting herbivores. Not at all sensitive to poor or wet soils, dogwood trees are often praised for being highly adaptable.
7) American cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum)
A plant that favors ambient conditions in the northern parts of the US, the American cranberrybush is a medium-sized shrub. Its hardy roots are tolerant of both wet and alkaline conditions in areas that receive ample sun exposure. Despite its common name, it is not actually a cranberry tree. Instead, it is named for the similarity of its fruits to those of true cranberries, for which they are often used as a substitute.
A deciduous species, the American cranberrybush can grow to a full height of about 12 feet (3.7 meters). Given the leafy appearance of its branches, it can provide ample cover for use as a natural fence. Its deep-green foliage tends to superficially resemble the appearance of maple leaves. Multi-lobed, they add subtle complexity and color to fall gardens. Once temperatures drop, they become a warm shade of reddish-purple.
Fast-growing in moist to wet locations, the cranberrybush makes for an excellent informal hedge with exceptional wildlife value. To grow this shrub as a border or natural hedge, aim to provide at least 5 – 6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 meters) of space between each plant. Separate rows can have a narrower distance from each other to create a denser screen.
8) Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor)
The dwarf palmetto is a stunning ornamental member of the Arecaceae or palm family. If you’ve always wanted to have a palm tree in your garden, but have found that they may occupy a lot of space, this is definitely one species you should look into. Sculptural and full of character, it is an ideal border plant in subtropical to tropical regions.
Hardy to USDA zones 7 – 10, the dwarf palmetto grows to a manageable height of about 10 feet (3 meters). Its complex leaves may occasionally measure as wide as 3 feet (1 meter)! Their deep divisions give them a well-balanced and highly textural appearance that complements the look of other vibrant tropical plants. When grown close to one another, their fans of leaflets can provide ample privacy for small and medium-sized gardens.
In wet soils, this species can quickly form colonies via the spread of its suckering root systems. Once their roots are well-established, they can tolerate periodic floods as well as short-lived droughts. In the southeastern US, this tree may even be found in coastal swamps, where its hardy roots maintain a submerged lifestyle.
9) Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
A flowering shrub, the common hawthorn is a notable member of the Rosaceae or rose family. In its preferred environment, it can quickly grow into a small tree and boast heights of up to 33 feet (10 meters)! For hedging purposes, however, it is usually maintained as a lower-growing shrub. Its thorny stems are great for serving as a dense barrier. When these are located close to the ground, they can help keep a garden free of visiting grazers.
Perfect for exposed locations, a common hawthorn hedge can be maintained to retain heights of 1 – 5 meters (3 – 16 feet). As their shoots can grow as much as 24 inches (61 cm) within a single year, they are an ideal choice for landscaping projects requiring rapid development. They are not known for being particularly sensitive to substrate conditions, but they produce dense, competitive stands in rich, moisture-retentive soils.
In late spring, mature hawthorn shrubs produce fragrant inflorescences with up to 25 flowers each. The pinkish-white blooms attract an array of bees and other insects. Fertilized flowers develop into dark red, berry-like fruits. In winter, these become vital sources of nutrients for native birds.
10) Common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Often grown in topiary gardens, the common hornbeam is a remarkably dense shrub with a tolerance for all sorts of ambient conditions. This member of the birch family can grow to a full height of about 50 – 80 feet (15 – 24 meters). When grown as a hedge plant, it will need to be pruned annually. When left to grow as a full tree, it can produce a massive and seemingly heavy canopy. Its spread can eventually rival its height.
This species is also popularly cultivated as a shade tree in areas with moist substrates. Well-established specimens are able to tolerate periods with excess moisture, though well-draining conditions are best for encouraging the spread of their roots. Deciduous, it provides thick coverage through spring and fall. In winter, its leaves drop to reveal a dense array of branches, oftentimes with leftover nuts.
This woodland species is considered a classical addition to bosquets, which are French-style plantations of formally arranged trees. Its well-balanced structure, coupled with the visually appealing texture of its canopy, makes it a fantastic natural screen in manicured landscapes.
