Looking For A Good Low Hedge For A Church Building In Zone 9b

Question

Our church is located just south of Houston, and it currently has hedges planted around the north side of the building perimeter. They have not been properly maintained for many years and are rather scraggly; also they have grown high enough to obscure the view through some of the windows (bottom of windows about 3 feet above grade level). I’d like to remove these hedges and replant with a new variety which will do well when trimmed to a height of about 32 inches. Varieties which would attract birds, bees, or butterflies would be a plus. Planting suggestions would be welcomed as I’m far from an experienced gardener. Thanks for any help.

• 

Answer 1

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hedge stays short and attracts wildlife, here are some great options: Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'), an evergreen with red berries birds love; Dwarf Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera 'Nana'), with fragrant leaves and bird-friendly fruit; Dwarf Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis 'Little John'), with bright red flowers that bring in hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies; Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), with silvery leaves and lavender blooms that pollinators enjoy; Dwarf Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia), a small plant with purple or pink flowers that bees and butterflies love; Dwarf Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'), with colorful leaves and flowers that attract pollinators; and Lantana (Lantana camara), with bold, colorful blooms that butterflies, bees, and birds can’t resist. There are plenty more suggestions, but these are good starting points.

This collection of articles will offer plenty of information on growing in zone 9:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11