best lavender for hedge nz

Why Plant a Lavender Hedge in NZ?

Lavender hedges make excellent alternatives to traditional box or buxus hedges. They’re fast-growing, drought tolerant, and their silvery foliage adds structure all year, even when not in flower. The vivid purple, blue, or white blooms are a feast for the senses and attract beneficial bees and butterflies to your garden. Plus, most NZ climates—especially from Auckland southward—suit lavender well, making it a reliable, low-maintenance choice.

Best Varieties for Lavender Hedges in NZ

When it comes to selecting the best lavender for hedge NZ gardeners want, compact habit and reliable blooms are key. Here are some of our top recommendations:

1. Lavender 'Super'

A classic choice, Lavender 'Super' is renowned for its robust growth and long-flowering spikes. This English lavender hybrid is ideal for dense, uniform hedges about 60-80cm tall. Its deeply fragrant blue-violet flowers make for striking borders and formal edging.

2. Lavender 'Lavance Blue'

Lavender 'Lavance Blue' is a compact variety prized for its dense growth and vibrant, aromatic flowers. Perfect for smaller hedges or garden edges, this variety stays neat with gentle trimming and flushes with deep blue blooms through late spring and summer.

3. Lavender 'Laveanna White'

For a fresh twist on the classic hedge, Lavender 'Laveanna White' delivers pure white flower spikes. This variety offers evergreen foliage and a crisp, modern look—stunning when mass-planted or combined with purple varieties for contrast.

4. Lavender 'The Queen' and Lavender 'The Prince'

Both Lavender 'The Queen' and Lavender 'The Prince' are strong performers in New Zealand gardens, producing prolific flower spikes and having good disease resistance. Their upright, bushy nature makes them ideal for medium-high hedges.

How to Plant and Care for a Lavender Hedge

For best results, plant lavender in full sun with well-draining soil. Space plants 30-40cm apart for a lush, tight hedge. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh new growth. Regular trimming avoids "legginess" and keeps your hedge bushy from top to bottom. Avoid rich fertilisers—lavender prefers lean soils.

Water well during establishment, but once your hedge is settled, it will need only occasional deep watering in dry spells. Mulching with gravel or pebbles helps suppress weeds and reflect heat.

Start Your Own Lavender Hedge

The best lavender for hedge NZ gardeners trust combine reliable growth, stunning scent, and great pest resistance. Whether you pick Lavender 'Super', Lavender 'Lavance Blue', Lavender 'Laveanna White', Lavender 'The Queen' or Lavender 'The Prince', you’re sure to enjoy a flourishing, enduring feature in your garden for years to come. Start creating your beautiful, fragrant lavender hedge today.