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how to plant a hedge nz

A lush, well-planted hedge can transform your garden, providing privacy, shelter, and year-round beauty. Whether you’re seeking a formal boundary or a vibrant living wall, knowing how to plant a hedge nz is essential for achieving healthy growth and satisfying results. With New Zealand’s unique climate and soil conditions, a few thoughtful steps will help you establish a hedge that thrives and enhances your landscape for years to come.

Griselinia littoralis plant with lush, green foliage.

Griselinia littoralis

4.7 from 3 customers

Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as Kapuka, is a popular New Zealand native shrub valued for its lush, glossy green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically grows to 4–6 metres tall and is widely used for hedging, screening, and shelter planting.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.

Michelia 'Bubbles'

5 from 1 customers

Michelia 'Bubbles' is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that appear from late winter through spring. It forms a dense, upright habit, making it ideal for hedging, screening, or as a feature plant.

From $41.33

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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
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
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
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
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
A large Corokia 'Mangatangi' hedge.
Corokia 'Mangatangi'

Corokia 'Mangatangi' is a NZ native shrub that features fine, silver coloured foliage which gives the plant a somewhat misty look. It is adorned with...

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
Corokia contoneaster shrub.
Corokia cotoneaster

Corokia cotoneaster, commonly known as the Wire-Netting Bush, features tough, dark stems that give the plant an appearance akin to wire mesh. This NZ...

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
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
elaeagnus-ebbingei-4
Elaeagnus ebbingei

Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry) is a tough, evergreen shrub valued for its silvery green foliage, dense habit, and excellent performance in exposed...

From$28.91
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$20.95
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
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
Euonymus 'Emerald Gem' small hedge with dense green foliage.
Euonymus 'Emerald Gem'

Euonymus 'Emerald Gem' is a hardy, evergreen shrub admired for its dense, compact form and glossy dark green foliage. With its neat rounded shape, it...

From$24.77
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
Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Pittosporum 'Irish Luck'

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its dense, bright green foliage and tidy growth habit. This versatile plant is well...

From$22.01
Gardenia augusta 'True Love' white flower with mid-green foliage.
Gardenia 'True Love'

Gardenia 'True Love' is a compact, evergreen shrub reaching around 60–90 cm tall and wide, perfect for adding fragrance and lush foliage to NZ...

From$18.95
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

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

From$21.95
Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant...

From$21.95
Buxus microphylla 'Koreana' (Korean Box) plant with lush, green foliage.
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
Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection...

From$11.95
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
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Feijoa 'Golden Goose' fruit.
Feijoa 'Golden Goose'

Feijoa 'Golden Goose' is a vigorous, mid-season fruiting variety known for producing large, aromatic fruit with excellent flavour. It's ideal for...

From$270.40
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Griselinia littoralis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Corokia, Griselinia, and Michelia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search how to plant a hedge nz

Choosing the Right Hedge Plants for NZ Conditions

Selecting the best plants for your hedge is the first and most important step. Consider your desired height, foliage, growth rate, and tolerance for wind or salt—especially if you’re coastal. Popular New Zealand hedge choices include evergreen shrubs that withstand our varied climates.

For a vibrant, low-maintenance hedge, Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' offers glossy leaves and a fragrant display, while Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' adds a citrus-toned twist with the same sturdy form. If you prefer a modern, reflective look, Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant) delivers shiny foliage and works well in coastal gardens. For a contemporary screen, Pittosporum Silver Pillar brings a vertical accent and silvery hues.

Site Preparation and Soil Improvement

Before planting, clear the planting site of weeds and debris. Dig over the soil, mixing in compost or well-rotted manure for long-term nourishment. Most hedge plants prefer well-drained soil, but some (like Coprosma) tolerate heavier ground. If your soil is sandy or clay-heavy, amend it so roots can establish more easily.

Mark out your hedge line using stakes and twine to ensure straight rows. Space plants according to their mature width—generally around 60-90cm apart for shrub hedges, but always check recommendations for your chosen plant.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant a Hedge NZ

  1. Dig your holes: Use the reliable Ace1 Planting Spade to dig holes twice as wide as the plant pot and deep enough for the roots.
  2. Arrange your plants: Set each plant in its hole, making sure the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface.
  3. Backfill and firm: Fill the hole with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
  4. Water deeply: Give your new hedge a thorough soak. Even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering as they establish.
  5. Mulch: Apply bark or compost mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Aftercare for a Thriving Hedge

Newly planted hedges require attention: water frequently during the first year, especially through dry spells. Add compost each spring, and prune lightly to encourage bushy growth. Once mature, annual trimming will maintain your hedge’s shape. With robust plants like Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' and Pittosporum Silver Pillar, your hedge will soon flourish, offering privacy and beauty for generations.

Ready to plant your hedge? Browse our range of NZ-hardy hedge shrubs and gardening tools, including the Ace1 Planting Spade, to get started today.

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.
While Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Gardenia radicans often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Prunus 'Southern Gem', Almond All in One, and Abutilon megapotamicum quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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