Low-growing Hedges

Low-growing hedges create boundaries without sacrificing visibility. Smaller hedge plants generally need less trimming than their taller cousins, making them a low-maintenance garden addition, and should average no more than 4 feet at maturity.

Considerations

• Low hedges discourage foot traffic across properties and flowerbeds. The University of Illinois Extension recommends avoiding spiny shrubs such as barberry, holly or roses, as these could be hazardous when mowing and send an unfriendly message to neighbors.

Non-flowering Varieties

• Korean boxwood (Buxus microphylla Koreana) grows to 4 feet, and its leaves turn yellow-brown to purplish in the winter. It prefers full sun, but tolerates some shade. Dwarf Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens Suffruticosa) produces cloud-like tufts, states the North Carolina University Extension. Dwarf European Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus Nanum) grows to 2 feet, and its maple-like leaves turn a dull green to reddish-purple in the fall.

Flowering Varieties

• English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is often used as edgings for other flowers, vegetables and herbs, states Lavender Enchantment. It bears very fragrant flowers that should be cut back severely in spring or fall. Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora floribunda) produces yellow flowers from May to September, and reproduces readily from root crowns or low-lying branches rooting in the soil, states the Utah State University Extension.