What tree/plant should I use to create a fast growing formal hedge??

Question

I want to plant a formal hedge around my property. I have full sun and well drained rich soil. I would like a screen about 3metres high. I want somthing very traditional so i'm leaning towards conifers, maybe lieghton green or monterey cypress. but I'm thinking there might be somthing else more interesting. It would need to have a dark green leaf if poss, if it had a flower it would have to be white or cream. It would also need to be able to be clipped into a formal hedge. The more traditional the look, the better.

Answer 1

Box woods are best for the barrier.  Azaleas planted between the sun and the box woods will provide Spring color.  I have lilac bushes, rose of sharons, and forsythia bushes to provide a high and effective barrier but it took 4-5 years for the plants to reach the desired height. The are not formal but I have flowers from March through September.