Are you planning to plant the amazing Clusia hedge but have no idea where to start from? I am one of the individuals who like privacy. With our residence next to the road, I used to have trouble having fun in the backyard. I knew I had to get a lasting solution. After comprehensive research and benchmarking on fences in the neighborhood, I opted for the Clusia hedge.
Though I had trouble planting the shrub, I had to learn and try it out with confidence. In this article, you will also get a chance to learn how to grow the Clusia hedge, how far apart you should plant it, and much more. Read till the end.
Why choose clusia hedge
The Clusia plant is of an evergreen shrub that grows to spread well to form an excellent hedge. Its dense foliage made up of oval, teardrop-shaped leaves make it one of the best live hedges you can have around your residence.
If you are looking for an evergreen fence that just adds life to your wonderful flowerbed or backyard trees, you might like this plant. The shrub is resistant to hot sun, drought, and salt. Its low maintenance and fast-growing nature make it an ideal privacy screen.
How to plant Clusia hedge
Before getting into work, it is crucial to estimate the perimeter length you want to cover. This will help you determine the number of plants you will require. You can check the spacing section for more information. Meanwhile, here is a step-by-step guide on planting the Clusia hedge.
- Dig holes. Make the holes 5 feet apart. Ensure you dig the holes along the line of the new hedge. Also, ensure the holes are as deep as the root ball of the Clusia shrubs you want to plant. Also, make them three times wider than the Clusia root ball.
- Place the Clusia shrub in the dug holes one by one. Remember to carefully remove the container holding the plants before placing them into the holes.
- Fill the space around the plant with organic-rich soil. Park it firmly to make the plant stand steady in the ground.
- Water the plants. After you are done planting the Clusia shrubs in every hole, water the plants thoroughly.
- Place mulch around each plant. This will prevent water loss to evaporation. Remember that these plants will require thorough watering for the next 2 weeks.
- After 2 weeks of thorough watering, adjust to watering the hedge twice a week. This plant is drought resistant. This means, after it has grown to maturity, you will only need to water the plant occasionally, probably during the dry seasons only.
How far apart should you plant Clusia hedge?
The spacing not only helps you determine the number of Clusia plants to plant but the kind of fence you want. Generally, if you need a formal hedge, you can space the shrubs 5 feet apart. With the fast-growing shrubs and dense foliage, you will have a perfect privacy screen in a short time.
5 feet apart spacing might look like the accepted spacing for the Clusia plant. However, this might change depending on their size during the planting period. For best results, consider the following spacing tips for the Clusia hedge.
- 3g clusia- 1 foot apart
- 7g clusia- 1.5 feet apart
- 15g clusia- 2.5 feet apart
- 25g clusia- 5 feet apart.
The clusia hedge can grow up to 20 to 25 feet tall. The plant can also grow up to 10 to 12 feet wide. The best thing is you have complete control over the plant. You can trim the shrubs at any height to determine how wide you want them to grow.
Important things to consider when growing Clusia hedge
Water
Clusia hedge might be drought resistant, but the plant needs a lot of water when growing. As stated earlier, water the plant thoroughly in the first 2 weeks. Continue watering at least twice a week until maturity. From there, you will only need to water during the dry spells.
Soil
The type of soil is crucial for the growth of any plant. Clusia hedge will do best in fertile soil having good drainage. However, the plant may also do well in any soil condition with extra care. This includes filling the holes with fertile soil and adding moderate fertilizer. Also if the soil has a poor drainage system, ensure to improve its drainage.
Temperature
Sunlight is crucial for the Clusia hedge. In the growth period, this plant requires a minimum of -1 to 10 degrees Celsius. The plant will also thrive in high humidity or about 50 percent. Ensure you plant your hedge where it will get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
Disease
Most gardeners usually get disappointed by sudden diseases that strike their plants. With Clusia hedge, you will enjoy the disease-free spell throughout the plant life. Once you consider the previously mentioned factors, you will have no trouble controlling disease against this shrub.
FAQs
- Does Clusia produce flowers?
Yes. The shrubs produce pink flowers in the summers. However, the shrubs rarely bloom. The flowering usually occurs in the warmest areas.
- Does Clusia require fertilizer?
Clusia hedge requires little fertilizer when planting. Add composited cow dung before applying soil to the hole. You will also need to apply granular fertilizer 3 times a year. That is in the spring, summer, and fall.
- Is Clusia hedge poisonous?
Clusia hedge, also known as Clusia gutiffera, is not poisonous. However, its counterpart, the Clusia rosea, produces green fruits which are considered poisonous. The ASPCA, however, has not listed any of Clusia species in its group of toxic or non-toxic plants.
Conclusion
How far apart should you plant Clusia hedge? This question should no longer stress you as you plan to erect that life fence around your property. With the information provided above, you can get out to plant your hedge confidently. You can get the seedlings from certified nurseries and growers near you.