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

Searching for a hardy, attractive, and low-maintenance hedge? The elaeagnus hedge is a top choice for New Zealand gardens. Renowned for its glossy foliage, year-round interest, and strong growth, an elaeagnus hedge provides privacy, wind protection, and visual appeal in any landscape. Whether you’re after a natural look or a formal barrier, elaeagnus is an excellent evergreen option that’s gaining popularity with Kiwi gardeners.

Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry)

Elaeagnus Ebbingei is a tough, fast-growing evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand gardens for its dense, silver-green foliage and coastal tolerance. It’s ideal for hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks, thriving in a variety of soils and conditions including exposed coastal sites.

Buy Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry)

From $28.28

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.50 m

Spread: 3.50 m

Flowering time: Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

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

Elaeagnus submacrophylla

Elaeagnus Submacrophylla is a robust, fast-growing evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage and tolerance to coastal conditions. Perfect for hedges, windbreaks, and screens, it performs well across New Zealand’s diverse climates, offering year-round greenery with minimal maintenance.

Buy Elaeagnus submacrophylla

From $432.79

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary

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

Why Choose an Elaeagnus Hedge?

An elaeagnus hedge stands out for its remarkable toughness and versatility. Elaeagnus species and cultivars are known for thriving in a wide range of soil types, tolerating coastal conditions, and withstanding both wind and drought. Their dense, often silvery foliage offers effective screening and privacy, even in exposed gardens.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing elaeagnus is its fast, reliable growth. This makes establishing a thick, lush hedge much quicker than with slower-growing hedge plants. Regular trimming will help maintain your preferred height and shape, whether you desire a neat, clipped style or something more relaxed.

Popular Elaeagnus Varieties for Hedges

Several elaeagnus varieties are particularly well-suited for hedging in New Zealand conditions:

Elaeagnus Gilt Edge – This striking cultivar features bold, gold-margined foliage, bringing colour and light to your hedge.
Elaeagnus x ebbingei Limelight – A popular choice for its lemon-yellow and green variegated leaves, this variety adds vibrancy to any border.
Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry) – Loved for its classic silvery-green leaves and delicate, fragrant flowers, it’s ideal for both formal and informal hedges.
Elaeagnus submacrophylla – Known for its lush foliage and robust growth, perfect for creating a strong year-round screen.

Planting and Caring for Your Elaeagnus Hedge

To establish a successful elaeagnus hedge, select a sunny to partially shaded position. While elaeagnus is tolerant of poor soils, enriching the planting area with organic matter at planting time will encourage vigorous growth. Space plants about one metre apart for a dense hedge.

Pruning is straightforward: trim after flowering to shape your hedge and control size. Elaeagnus responds well to cutting, quickly producing fresh, healthy growth. Water young plants regularly until established, then enjoy their drought-hardy nature. Applying mulch will help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds around your hedge.

Complementary Hedge and Screening Options

If you’re still considering your options, you may also be interested in Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum), a glossy-leaved species with similar fast-growing and evergreen qualities.

Create the Perfect Elaeagnus Hedge

An elaeagnus hedge is a versatile, resilient, and beautiful addition to New Zealand gardens. Whether you opt for the golden highlights of Elaeagnus Gilt Edge or the classic silver tones of Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry), you’ll enjoy easy care and outstanding results. Transform your boundary or garden rooms with an elaeagnus hedge that delivers beauty and function year-round.

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.