Rethinking garden choices: Mahonia and privet over thuja
The thuja is probably the most popular plant in the gardens. Although it is most often chosen to serve as a hedge, it is slowly becoming outdated. A flowering shrub can successfully replace it.
The thuja has been loved. In many homes, it serves as a hedge that decorates and protects the area. However, other plants, such as cherry laurel or boxwood, can fulfill the same role. It is also worth considering common mahonia, which has recently captured 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. However, 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 addition to the yard. Between April and May, it produces yellow flowers, and by early autumn, it bears dark blue fruits.
Mahonia prefers well-drained and moderately fertile soils. It reaches about 1.5 metres in height. Unlike thuja, pruning is not mandatory. It does not need watering in autumn and winter. In summer, however, it requires watering approximately 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 an attractive choice in the garden for most of the year. It reaches a height of up to about 3 metres, making it ideal for creating hedges.
The green, oval-lanceolate leaves of the privet beautifully complement the white flowers that appear in summer. Although its fruits are poisonous to humans, they are a favourite food for birds. It prefers sunny or partially shaded locations on well-drained soil.
