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cistus hedge

A cistus hedge is an attractive, drought-tolerant solution for New Zealand gardens seeking beauty and resilience all year round. Known for their showy rock rose blooms and aromatic evergreen foliage, cistus plants create a lush, informal boundary or windbreak that thrives with minimal fuss. If you want an eye-catching hedge alive with wildlife and flowers, planting a cistus hedge is a practical and stylish choice for coastal, Mediterranean, or low-maintenance landscapes.

Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.

Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

5 from 5 customers

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant white flowers that appear in spring and often again in autumn. Thriving in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, it’s perfect for NZ gardens as a hedge, border, or feature plant.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, White
Cistus salviifolius plant with lush green foliage and elegant, white flowers.

Cistus salviifolius

Cistus salviifolius is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its attractive grey green foliage and masses of crisp white flowers with bright yellow centres that appear through spring and early summer. This drought tolerant Mediterranean plant forms a naturally rounded habit and performs well in challenging conditions.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Cistus 'Bennetts White' white flower.
Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Bennetts White’ is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its crisp white flowers with a yellow centre, blooming abundantly in late spring...

From$24.77
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
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 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$129.95
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$44.95
Camellia Setsugekka hedge in full flower.
Camellia 'Setsugekka'

Camellia 'Setsugekka' is a sasanqua variety with large, semi-double, white flowers with wavy, fluted petals and a yellow centre. These contrast...

From$27.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$18.95
Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

From$199.95
westringia-aussie-box-
Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Westringia 'Aussie Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense bright green foliage, naturally rounded habit, and small white flowers that...

From$18.95
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
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
Ficus Tuffi

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

From$8.95
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
A large Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' shrub in a garden with soft-pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Escallonia 'Apple Blossom'

Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' is a charming evergreen shrub prized for its masses of soft pink flowers that resemble the delicate colours of apple...

From$16.95
feijoa-pounamu-
Feijoa 'Pounamu'

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...

From$35.81
grevillea-clearview-david-
Grevillea 'Clearview David'

Grevillea 'Clearview David' is a vigorous evergreen shrub known for its attractive foliage and masses of soft coloured flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$99.95
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$22.01
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
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is a NZ native shrub with small, olive-green leaves held densely on narrow, black stems. This evergreen typically grows to...

From$22.01
corokia-pounamu-
Corokia Pounamu

Corokia Pounamu is a NZ native shrub featuring narrow, olive-green foliage. New foliage has a layer of felt on the underside of the leaves which...

From$17.95
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...

From$17.95
Gardenia Frost Proof shrub with white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Frostproof'

Gardenia 'Frostproof' is a hardy, evergreen shrub renowned for its fragrant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Reaching around 90–120 cm...

From$18.95
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
Feijoa 'Opal Star' fruit.
Feijoa 'Opal Star'

Feijoa 'Opal Star' is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Feijoa 'Opal Star' is a late-season variety of Feijoa that produces medium to...

From$41.33
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
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Ilex 'Largo'

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$136.04
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
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

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...

From$18.95
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search cistus hedge

Why Choose a Cistus Hedge?

Cistus hedges are prized for their combination of reliability and aesthetic appeal. Cistus, commonly called rock rose, puts on a stunning floral display in spring and summer with tissue-like blooms in pink, white, or purple, depending on the variety. The foliage, often aromatic and glossy, provides year-round structure and interest. These shrubs tolerate poor soils, salt-laden winds, and dry spells, making them particularly suitable for exposed or difficult sites where other hedges might struggle.

Best Cistus Varieties for Hedges

Selecting the right cistus plants is key to creating a thriving hedge. Some top choices for a cistus hedge include:

These varieties not only create stunning hedges but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden.

Planting and Maintaining Your Cistus Hedge

For a successful cistus hedge, plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Space plants about 60–90 cm apart, depending on the cultivar and the desired density. Cistus shrubs establish quickly, needing little fertiliser or supplemental water once settled. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness, but avoid hard pruning into old wood.

A cistus hedge requires less maintenance than traditional formal hedges, making it ideal for low-care or holiday homes. Pair your cistus with other drought-tolerant picks, or for contrast in structure and leaf colour, consider alternatives like Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aureomarginata (Taxus baccata Hedge).

Where to Use a Cistus Hedge

A cistus hedge is wonderfully versatile. Use it to frame pathways, define boundaries, shelter seating areas, or as an informal front garden divide. Cistus hedges suit coastal gardens, Mediterranean schemes, and contemporary landscapes alike, offering continuous foliage and periodic bursts of bloom.

Create a Cistus Hedge for Lasting Impact

Investing in a cistus hedge means embracing flowers, fragrance, and toughness. Whether you favour the vibrant tones of Cistus Pink Silk or the hardy charm of Cistus ladanifer, your new hedge will be both a beautiful boundary and a celebration of low-maintenance gardening. Create an inviting, natural enclosure with cistus in your New Zealand garden today.


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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.

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