Mastic is a shrub native to the Mediterranean regions that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. However, more recently, putty has also become a popular choice for garden hedges thanks to its dense vegetation, ease of maintenance and resistance to bad weather. But what should be taken into account when growing mastic in a hedge?
In this article we will explain what mastic is, what it is used for and how much it can grow. In addition, we will discuss some tips to cultivate it and keep it healthy as a hedge. If you are looking for an attractive and practical option for your garden hedge, mastic could be the perfect solution!
What is mastic and what is it used for?
Before talking about mastic as a hedge, let’s first clarify what this vegetable is. Well, it is a tree or shrub native to Greece and southern Italy, and It usually grows in Mediterranean regions. Its scientific name is Pistacia lentiscus and has many uses:
- Medicine: Mastic is used to treat dysentery, cough and fever, among other ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Food: In the food industry, it is used to make the resin known as “mastic”. It is used to flavor food, beverages and confectionery. This shrub is also used as an ingredient in making liqueurs, such as the Greek “ouzo”.
- beauty products: An essential oil highly valued in the perfumery and cosmetics industry can be produced with the mastic. It is known for its rejuvenating and antioxidant properties for the skin.
However, the use that interests us in this post is that of the hedge. As mentioned before, mastic is a shrub, so it’s no surprise that in its shrub form it has multiple branches growing from the base. This gives it a dense and bushy appearance. making it an ideal hedge.
How big is a putty?
One aspect that we must consider if we want to grow mastic as a hedge is the growth capacity of this vegetable. In general, the height of this shrub varies from two to five meters. However, under ideal conditions, it can grow up to seven meters tall. It should be noted that the growth of mastic is somewhat slow. It can take several years to reach its maximum size.
However, nothing happens! Or do we want a five meter high hedge? The key to maintaining mastic as a hedge is cut to our liking. In this way we can keep it at a height that we like and we can even give it geometric shapes.
Maintaining a mastic hedge
Now that we know a little more about this shrub, let’s take a look at how to grow and maintain a mastic hedge. The best time to plant this vegetable is in late winter or early spring. It can thrive in both slightly calcareous and neutral soils. It does not matter if they are stony or poorer, what we must take into account is that the ground is a little loose. As for the substrate, the ideal is to use a universal one and mix it with a little sandstone.
Regarding the location, the putty needs space and sun. To form a hedge, it is best to leave between eighty centimeters and one meter of distance between plant and plant. Although their growth is slow, they will take volume little by little and the branches will end up covering all the holes that exist.
Another important aspect to consider is irrigation. It should be rare and the land should have good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which could cause root rot and kill the vegetable. Otherwise, mastic usually has no pest or disease problems. As an option, we can add organic matter, such as compost, mulch or earthworm humus, to the soil during the winter. This will greatly promote the growth of mastic in the following season.
What if we wanted to reproduce our mastic? Although propagation by cuttings is a very popular method, in the case of this shrub it is not very effective. The best way to reproduce mastic is by seed in autumn or spring, as long as the temperatures are mild enough. It is best to place them in water for a few hours to soften them. Empty seeds usually float in water, these can be discarded. Viable ones, ie seeds that do not float, should be placed in a mixture of perlite and peat and control the humidity levels. After a few months, the seeds should germinate.
When to cut putty?
Considering the care that this shrub requires, let’s address a fundamental aspect for the maintenance of hedge putty: pruning. This task should be done in September and after flowering. It is essentially a question of eliminating badly oriented, dry or overgrown branches. Through pruning we will be able to control both the height and the expansion of the putty hedge. The only thing we need to be able to perform this task is a hedge trimmer or pruner.
It should be noted that hedge putty is ideal for create geometric shapes or sculpt figures in the style of Edward Scissorhands. Of course, this task takes longer than normal maintenance pruning. In case you are interested, know that putty tolerates machine work very well. Why not bring out our most artistic side with this shrub?
If what you are looking for is an easy to maintain and malleable hedge, putty is definitely one of the best options. It can also be extremely decorative by planting it individually in the garden, it all depends on our tastes. But in a hedge it’s ideal!