Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best hedge plants

Looking to create beautiful, private spaces in your garden? Choosing the best hedge plants is the key to transforming your outdoor area with greenery that provides privacy, structure, and year-round appeal. Whether you’re after dense evergreen hedges or flowering screens, selecting the right plants helps you achieve low-maintenance, fast-growing hedges tailored to New Zealand’s climate. Here, you’ll discover top-performing hedge species and expert recommendations for hedges that deliver lasting impact.

Corokia 'Little Prince'

Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems afford an unusual element to this plant. It produces masses of small, yellow flowers in spring which are followed by red berries in autumn as it grows to 3 m tall and 1.5 m wide.

Buy Corokia 'Little Prince'

From $13.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock

Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white flowers that appear over a long season. It is an excellent choice for hedging, coastal gardens, borders, containers, and water wise landscapes.

Buy Westringia fruticosa

From $18.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern

Why Hedge Plants Matter in Your Garden

Hedges aren’t just about privacy—they offer wind protection, wildlife habitat, and define garden boundaries. When you choose the best hedge plants, you invest in both aesthetics and functionality. Unlike walls or fences, a living hedge grows with your garden, adapts to spaces, and filters noise. Selecting strong, healthy plants from trusted New Zealand nurseries ensures successful establishment and minimal upkeep.

Top Choices for the Best Hedge Plants in New Zealand

If you want hedges that thrive locally, consider lush evergreens and robust flowering varieties. Some favourites among New Zealand gardeners include:

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge' Series

The Lonicera 'Honey Hedge' cultivars are standout options for compact, colourful hedges. Their fast growth, tough disposition, and vibrant foliage deliver both privacy and beauty. Consider these top selections for your next hedge:

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby': This variety offers striking red-toned foliage with excellent resilience. It’s ideal for low-to-medium hedges and responds beautifully to trimming.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon': Bright lemon hues and dense growth make this option perfect for sunny borders and contemporary gardens.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime': With lively lime-green leaves, this cultivar is an eye-catching choice that thrives in a range of conditions.

Viburnum Hedge Master

For those seeking a classic, evergreen hedge, Viburnum Hedge Master is a favourite. This viburnum provides dense foliage, white spring flowers, and a rapid growth rate. It’s well-suited for formal hedging, screen planting, and coastal areas.

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

If you prefer hedges with a softer, feathery texture and reliable performance in most regions, Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) is a superb choice. Its upright habit and deep green leaves form elegant hedges that look great year-round and handle shaping with ease.

Tips for Growing the Best Hedge Plants

Prepare your soil by removing weeds and adding organic matter.
Space plants according to their mature width to avoid crowding.
Water regularly during establishment and mulch to conserve moisture.
Prune annually to shape your hedge and encourage dense growth.

Start Your Hedge Journey Today

Finding the best hedge plants is only the beginning. With expert nursery plants, your hedge will flourish and enhance your garden for years to come. Explore premium species like Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby', Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon', Viburnum Hedge Master, Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine), and Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' to create a hedge that’s resilient, attractive, and uniquely yours.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

best hedge plants

Corokia 'Little Prince'

Westringia fruticosa

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Why Hedge Plants Matter in Your Garden