Neatly trimmed hedges are great. But sometimes, you want more than neat. You want memorable. Whether it’s your front yard, a courtyard garden, or the backdrop to a patio, hedges don’t just have to be green walls. They can be a bit of a showstopper, if you’re willing to break the mould. If you’ve already mastered straight lines and level tops, it might be time to branch out (pun intended). Here are some unexpected hedge shapes worth trying this year.

1. The Cloud Hedge

It’s exactly what it sounds like: soft, rounded shapes stacked like fluffy clouds. This shape brings a playful, organic feel to structured gardens. It’s popular in modern landscapes where you want something sculptural without being stiff. Each “puff” can vary slightly in size, which helps it feel natural, not overly manicured.

While it looks complicated, once the basic form is established, it’s mostly about regular light trimming with your hedge trimmer to maintain those rounded forms. And yes, it looks just as good in front yards as it does along garden paths.

Ideal for: evergreen shrubs like boxwood, lilly pilly, or viburnum.

2. Spirals and Corkscrews

Want a touch of drama? Go vertical with a spiral hedge. Most often seen as topiary trees, spiral shapes also work beautifully with narrow hedging plants. You can shape individual shrubs into spirals or create a row of twisted forms for a more architectural effect. It adds height, movement, and a strong focal point.

Keep in mind: this one needs commitment. You’ll need to trim it regularly to keep the spiral shape tight. But if you’re the type who enjoys a bit of garden maintenance, it’s incredibly satisfying to keep it in line. Also works well flanking driveways or entries.

3. Tapered Cones and Domes

Perfect if you want something sculptural without going too far into novelty territory. Tapered cones look smart and intentional, making them great for formal gardens or as corner accents. Domes are softer and tend to blend better in relaxed spaces. Both shapes are clean, timeless, and can easily be incorporated into existing hedge lines.

The trick with cones is keeping that angle consistent from top to bottom. It might take a few trims to get it right, but once you’ve locked in the shape, it’s surprisingly easy to maintain.

Great for: mock orange, westringia, and other dense-leaved shrubs.

4. Staggered Step Hedges

Not all hedges need to be a single height. Playing with levels can change the whole feel of a garden. A staggered hedge, where each section is trimmed to a different height, adds rhythm and movement to an otherwise static line. It’s a simple way to add personality without losing the benefits of a full privacy screen.

It works especially well along fences or garden beds that run beside steps or sloped pathways. You can mimic the landscape’s shape or contrast it for a more graphic effect. This one doesn’t require different plants, just a bit of confidence with the clippers.

5. Hollow Arches and Open Frames

Now we’re in true statement territory. Shaping a hedge into an arch or open window can turn your garden into something out of a magazine. It creates structure, invites you to look through, and gives that sense of a “garden room.”

You can go full archway (ideal over a path or garden entry), or create open frames that act like living windows into other parts of the yard. These shapes take time to establish, but they’re worth every bit of patience.

They’re best attempted on mature hedges with strong internal structure, so if you’ve got a long-established row of shrubs, this could be your moment.

6. The Crinkle-Cut Edge

Want to keep a horizontal hedge but still make it stand out? Try a wave pattern along the top. Instead of trimming to a level line, gently curve the top into soft rolling waves. It’s subtle, but effective. It adds movement, stops it from feeling too rigid, and catches the light differently throughout the day.

This shape works best on mid-height hedges and along long fence lines where a bit of variation goes a long way.

Bonus: It’s easier to maintain than you’d think, as long as you’re consistent with your curve. Mark out the shape with garden stakes and string if you’re unsure at first.

7. Freestanding Topiary Blocks

For those who like structure but want a modern edge. Instead of shaping a continuous hedge, try breaking it into individual hedge blocks spaced evenly apart. Think of it like punctuation in your landscape; each block becomes a mini feature.

You can keep the blocks square, round, or even pyramidal. Between them, plant ground cover, low flowers, or leave it as mulch for contrast.

This is a good option if you’re tight on space or want something more flexible. It also means less trimming time overall, since you’re only maintaining sections, not a full row.

Before You Reshape, a Few Quick Tips

• Start slow – Don’t try to reshape an entire hedge in one go. Tackle a section and see how it behaves.
• Know your plant – Not all shrubs respond well to hard shaping. Check that yours can handle it before getting ambitious.
• Invest in sharp tools – Clean cuts heal faster and look neater. It makes all the difference.
• Keep checking from a distance – What looks perfect up close might look lopsided from across the yard.
• Don’t stress about perfection – Part of the charm with unusual shapes is that they’re unique. A little variation adds character.

Let the Hedge Steal the Spotlight

Sometimes, it’s the unexpected details that really lift a space. A hedge doesn’t have to be a background element, it can be the feature. Unusual shapes give your garden a bit of attitude. Whether it’s a bold spiral, a playful wave, or a perfectly rounded dome, these ideas are about more than just looks. They show intention, creativity, and a bit of fun.