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chatham island akeake hedge

Looking for a robust, wind-resistant hedge that thrives in coastal New Zealand gardens? The chatham island akeake hedge is your answer. Native to the Chatham Islands, Olearia traversii is valued for its hardy nature, glossy foliage, and ability to withstand salt-laden winds. Whether you’re searching for a shelter belt or an attractive privacy screen, planting a chatham island akeake hedge delivers reliable year-round greenery and resilience, even in exposed locations. Discover why so many New Zealand gardeners recommend this versatile hedge for coastal, suburban, and rural settings.

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 adorned with masses of small, pink flowers in summer as it grows to 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide.

From $13.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

5 from 1 customers

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is adorned with masses of small, pink flowers in summer as it grows to 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide.

From $18.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

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Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
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Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.
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A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
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Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

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Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.
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Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems...

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Feijoa 'Pounamu' is an early-season variety that produces medium-sized fruit with a thin, smooth skin. The flesh is sweet and juicy and has a tangy...

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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...

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Griselinia Ardmore Emerald is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

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Camellia Setsugekka hedge in full flower.
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Olearia traversii plant with white flowers and green foliage.
Olearia traversii

Olearia traversii, commonly known as Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a hardy New Zealand native tree valued for its upright form and resilience. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Myrsine chathamica shrub.
Myrsine chathamica

Myrsine chathamica, commonly known as Chatham Island Matipo, is a hardy NZ native shrub or small tree found naturally on the Chatham Islands. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Dodonaea, and Grevillea, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

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Why Choose a Chatham Island Akeake Hedge?

A chatham island akeake hedge is ideal for areas battling strong winds and salt spray. The dense, upright growth habit creates a sturdy barrier, while narrow, leathery leaves remain lush and green throughout the seasons. This hedge species, Olearia traversii, grows quickly and is easily maintained with regular trimming. Its small white flowers attract pollinators, adding wildlife interest to your garden. Best of all, these hedges are tolerant of poor soils, drought, and challenging conditions—making them perfect for the ever-changing New Zealand climate.

Planting and Caring for Your Hedge

To establish a thriving chatham island akeake hedge, start with healthy young plants spaced about 1m apart. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Olearia traversii adapts well to sandy or coastal soils and copes with wind exposure, though shelter during initial planting helps. Water regularly until roots settle, then minimal care is needed. Prune annually to encourage bushy growth and maintain your desired height and shape. With these simple steps, your hedge will quickly form a leafy, attractive line.

Complementing Your Coastal Hedge

While the chatham island akeake hedge is the top choice for wind protection, consider pairing it with other NZ natives to create a layered, diverse garden. Plant Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake) for another robust, wind-hardy shrub with striking green foliage. For a colourful accent, add Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush), which offers beautiful purple-toned leaves and adds visual depth.

For tree and shrub diversity, include Myrsine chathamica, a Chatham Island native with attractive glossy leaves, or the compact Melicytus chathamicus (Chatham Island Mahoe), which brings delicate white flowers and berries to your garden. All these plants thrive alongside your chatham island akeake hedge, naturally blending form and function.

Order Your Hedging Plants Today

Ready to transform your outdoor space with a chatham island akeake hedge? Explore our range of Olearia traversii and related NZ natives for hardy, sustainable hedging solutions. By combining resilient, windproof species, you’ll boost your garden’s beauty and biodiversity—ensuring year-round privacy, shelter, and lush, native foliage. Visit our product pages for individual plant details and expert advice on creating the perfect hedge for your New Zealand property.

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.
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Gardenia radicans are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Hemerocallis 'Orange Star', Laurelia novae-zelandiae, and Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'.
–The Plant Company

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