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best small hedge plants

Looking to define garden beds, create privacy, or add structure to your landscape? Choosing the best small hedge plants can transform your outdoor space, even with limited room. Compact hedges make excellent borders, screen unsightly corners, and offer year-round appeal without overshadowing other plantings. With so many versatile options suitable for New Zealand conditions, it’s easy to find small hedges that fit your style, thrive in our climate, and are manageable in size.

Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

5 from 1 customers

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and held densely on short stems. Left untrimmed it will eventually grow to 1 m tall and 1.2 m wide.

From $129.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Rock
Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.

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 a 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.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$17.95
pittosporum-small-ball-
Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$102.84
An informal Escallonia 'Pink Elle' hedge growing alongside a fence.
Escallonia 'Pink Elle'

Escallonia 'Pink Elle' is a compact variety of Escallonia, prized for its attractive foliage and small, fragrant flowers. Glossy, green leaves give...

From$99.95
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
leptospermum-blossom-2
Leptospermum 'Blossom'

Leptospermum 'Blossom' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its masses of soft coloured flowers and fine foliage. Flowering in spring, it creates...

From$27.53
Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary...

From$12.95
Buxus 'Green Gem' dense hedge.
Buxus 'Green Gem'

Buxus 'Green Gem' is a compact, evergreen boxwood plant that is ideal for low hedges, borders, and topiary in New Zealand gardens. It forms a dense...

From$12.50
Buxus harlandii shrub with dense, green foliage.
Buxus harlandii

Buxus harlandii grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide with charming, bright green leaves. Best results with this evergreen shrub are achieved...

From$17.95
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia 'Bubbles' is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
eugenia-uniflora-surinam-cherry-
Eugenia uniflora

Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry) is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy foliage, colourful new growth, white flowers...

From$50.99
Corokia 'Sunsplash' shrub with yellow foliage in a garden.
Corokia 'Sunsplash'

Corokia 'Sunsplash' is a NZ native shrub grown for its impressive foliage. It features small leaves that are variegated yellow with a central splash...

From$17.95
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

From$7.50
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.
Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

From$17.95
Corokia cheesemanii shrub with grey-green foliage growing in a border garden.
Corokia cheesemanii

Corokia cheesemanii is a hardy, NZ native shrub that grows with a bushy habit and features attractive, olive green-silver foliage. The small leaves...

From$17.95
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$22.01
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.
Coprosma repens (Taupata)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$17.95
Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.
Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', commonly known as Korokio, is a hardy, NZ native shrub with lovely foliage and an interesting form. It grows as a mass...

From$17.95
Buxus koreana plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Box, is a cold-hardy, evergreen shrub ideal for low hedging and formal borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

From$17.95
A Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' plant in a garden.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' is an evergreen shrub often used instead of Buxus for hedges. It carries dense, upright branches that host small and...

From$16.95
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia 'Red Robin' is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
Corokia 'Geentys Giant' green leaves.
Corokia 'Geenty's Giant'

Corokia 'Geenty's Giant' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears green-yellow foliage held densely on slender, upright branches. Masses of small...

From$17.95
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Corokia, and Escallonia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs.

Search best small hedge plants

Why Choose Small Hedge Plants?

Small hedge plants are ideal for modern gardens, urban sections, and anyone wanting a neat, low-maintenance boundary. Their dense growth offers clear lines, helps reduce weed invasion, and can even shelter more delicate plants from wind. Many options provide seasonal interest with flowers, berries, or striking foliage, making your hedge a living feature in every season.

Top Picks for the Best Small Hedge Plants

Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)
For classic structure and a traditional look, Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood) is a go-to favourite. This easy-to-shape evergreen offers tight, compact growth and deep green leaves, adapting well to regular trimming. Its slow growth makes it perfect for formal low borders and parterre-style gardens.

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)
If you want a uniquely New Zealand solution with a touch of softness, Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum) is a stellar choice. With its naturally rounded shape and silvery-green foliage, this hardy shrub delivers a fuss-free, modern look. It grows quietly to about one metre high, suiting tight spaces or mixed beds.

Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant)
For a hedge with colour and fragrance, consider Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant). Its masses of purple, lavender, and white blooms bring enchanting fragrance and non-stop seasonal interest. At a petite size, it adds cheerful character to pathways or patio edges.

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a superb fast-growing pick, perfect when you want to establish a lush, small hedge in less time. With lime-hued foliage and a naturally bushy habit, it’s ornately decorative yet easy-care.

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia)
While not a traditional shrub, Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia) provides a lush, leafy border for shaded spots. Its bold foliage and tidy stature offer both contrast and flexibility in small-space hedging.

Choosing the Right Small Hedge Plants for Your Garden

When searching for the best small hedge plants, consider sunlight requirements, growth rate, and the overall look you want to achieve. Evergreen varieties deliver year-round coverage, while flowering types add pops of colour. For formal borders, choose tightly growing types like Buxus microphylla; for a softer, informal touch, try Pittosporum Small Ball or brunfelsia varieties. For challenging spots, especially shady areas, Ligularia ‘Rukuhia Beauty’ is a smart alternative.

Start with healthy, quality plants, keep up with light trimming, and give them a good mulch for the best start. With these top choices, it’s easy to create a beautiful, lasting border or statement in any New Zealand garden with the best small hedge plants.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Let Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' draw you in — then let Magnolia 'Margaret Helen', Malus 'Wrights Scarlet', and Hedera 'Silver Variegated' keep you inspired.
–The Plant Company

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