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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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elaeagnus hedge spacing

Looking for the ideal elaeagnus hedge spacing to create a dense, attractive hedgerow? Elaeagnus species are popular choices for New Zealand gardeners, thanks to their rapid growth, salt tolerance, and evergreen foliage. Spacing your elaeagnus hedging plants correctly is the key to achieving a healthy, seamless hedge that offers maximum privacy and shelter. In this guide, we’ll cover how far apart to plant elaeagnus hedges, factors that influence spacing, and tips for establishing an exceptional hedge.

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 Proper Elaeagnus Hedge Spacing Matters

Correct elaeagnus hedge spacing ensures your hedge grows evenly, fills gaps quickly, and remains easy to maintain. Planting elaeagnus shrubs too close together can lead to overcrowding and competition for nutrients, resulting in patchy growth or disease. On the other hand, spacing them too far apart may leave gaps for longer, reducing your hedge’s screening efficiency.

Recommended Elaeagnus Hedge Spacing

For most varieties, including Elaeagnus Gilt Edge, Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry), Elaeagnus x ebbingei Limelight, and Elaeagnus submacrophylla, the optimal elaeagnus hedge spacing is 1 to 1.5 metres between each plant. For a fast, dense privacy screen, plant at 1 metre intervals. If you’re happy to wait a bit longer for the plants to fill out, or you’re after a looser, more informal hedge, increase spacing up to 1.5 metres.

Factors to Consider for Elaeagnus Hedging Success

Growth Rate: Elaeagnus species are generally fast growers. Closer spacing (1 metre) yields a full hedge in 1–2 years for most new plantings.
Desired Height and Width: For tall or windbreak hedges, stick to the tighter end of the spacing range to keep the base dense.
Site Conditions: If your site is exposed or coastal, elaeagnus thrives and forms a robust hedge quickly, but denser initial planting may offer faster shelter.
Variety: Popular varieties like Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry) and Elaeagnus submacrophylla respond similarly to these spacing guidelines, but always check the mature width in specific variety descriptions.

Tips for Planting Elaeagnus Hedges

Prepare your hedge line by loosening soil and incorporating compost.
Mark plant positions at your chosen elaeagnus hedge spacing before digging holes.
Water your new hedge deeply after planting and mulch well to retain moisture.
Prune lightly in the first year to encourage bushy growth from the base.

Complementing Your Elaeagnus Hedge

Elaeagnus pairs beautifully with other shelter or feature shrubs. For evergreen scent and florals near your hedge, consider planting Gardenia Four Seasons in the same garden.

Find Your Ideal Elaeagnus Variety

Choosing the right elaeagnus variety can make all the difference for your landscape. Browse our selection, including Elaeagnus Gilt Edge, Elaeagnus x ebbingei Limelight, and Elaeagnus submacrophylla, and start planning your low-maintenance, stunning hedge with confidence.

With the correct elaeagnus hedge spacing, you’ll have a lush, resilient hedge that thrives for years to come.

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.