Be-Still Tree - Could you keep it as a 3 ft Hedge?

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Bernie_Strehler Molokai, HI Nov 26, 2011

I'm interested in adding a low hedge of Be-Still tree along side of an existing taller (6-8 foot) hedge of Be-Still tree, here in Hawaii. This tropical tree or large shrub, Thevetia peruviana, is very vigorous in the area I am gardening. Though some books say it can become a tree 30 ' tall they also say it can be kept as an "informal hedge". I'd like to try and keep the new planting as small as 3 foot wide by 3 foot tall by clipping it regularly. My question is, will this work? Can I keep Be-Still that small, pretty much permanently? Would the trunk of the plant give me a problem by getting big and stocky and tree-like perhaps. Thanks for the advice.

Bernie Strehler, Molokai, Hawaii

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Nov 27, 2011

When they say it can be kept as an informal hedge, I'm sure they mean a taller hedge like your existing taller one. If you want a 3x3 hedge I think you'd be better off looking at other smaller shrubs that will naturally grow closer to that size. If you're willing to prune it constantly you might be able to keep the Thevetia that small, but I don't think it'll look that good when it's constantly being chopped back and you probably will have to prune it often enough that you won't get much in the way of flowers.

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Dec 02, 2011

I have to agree with Ecrane and would look at English BOX as this likes to be pruned and kept to this sort of size, I managed to grow a whole hedge of hundred and fifty plants 12 inches apart all from cuttings, the cuttings came from a small low growing hedge I had round a bed and it was the pruning from that I used for cuttings, it did take about 4-5 years to get roots, 5 inch plants and it looks wonderful now, 2 feet tall 1 foot wide.
This is evergreen and because the leaves are very tiny it soon makes loads of side shoots that help fill in the bare bits as the hedge grows, the best thing is it only requires pruning 2 times a year, early summer and September for my colt climate, I don't ant new growth to be damaged by winter frost or snow.
Other plants to look out for and can be kept to the hight you require are:
Loners, has a yellow / Green small leaf.
Hypericum flowers but can be kept low growing.
Lavenders wonderful perfume.
Hope this helps you out a bit.
Good luck. WeeNel.

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