What Is a Knot Garden? Low Hedges Woven Into a Pattern
A knot garden is a small formal garden where low clipped hedges cross over and under each other to look like a woven knot. None of the sources defines the knot garden by name, so the notes below cover the plants used to make one.
The short answer
A knot garden uses low hedges of herbs or shrubs set in crossing lines. NC State notes santolina (lavender cotton) grows 1 to 2 feet tall plus works for edging beds. Boxwood forms a narrow hedge. Iowa State advises shaping formal hedges narrower at the top plus pruning 2 to 4 times a season.
Which plants suit a knot garden?
| Plant | Size or use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Santolina | 1 to 2 feet tall, edging | NC State |
| Boxwood | Narrow hedge | NC State |
| Thyme plus sage | Like drier conditions | UGA |
Source: NC State, UGA plus Iowa State.
What growing conditions do the plants need?
NC State lists full sun plus good drainage for santolina, with tolerance for very dry soil. UGA notes sage plus thyme both prefer drier conditions.
How to: step by step
- Sketch the knot on paper.
- Mark lines on level ground.
- Fill each line with one hedge plant.
- Use a contrasting plant for the crossing line.
- Clip each line so one seems to pass under the other.
- Prune 2 to 4 times a season.
Troubleshooting
Blurred lines: plants too alike. Mix gray santolina with green boxwood.
Hedge opens at the base: top too wide. Iowa State advises a narrower top.
Plants rot: poor drainage. Santolina wants sharp drainage.
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Sources
- Santolina chamaecyparissus (lavender cotton), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Buxus sempervirens (common boxwood), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- How to prune formal hedges, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Growing herbs in containers 101, University of Georgia Extension, Fulton County
FAQ
What is santolina?
NC State describes santolina (lavender cotton) as a dwarf aromatic gray shrub used for edging beds plus rock gardens.
How tall does santolina grow?
The NC State plant page lists a height of 1 to 2 feet plus a width of about 2 feet.
Can boxwood be used in a knot garden?
Yes. NC State notes boxwood can form a narrow hedge or topiary. It can stay short through pruning.
How often should knot garden hedges be pruned?
Iowa State notes most formal hedges need pruning 2 to 4 times in the growing season.
Which herbs like the same conditions?
UGA notes sage plus thyme both like drier conditions, so they pair well.
