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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
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 '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$13.95
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 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 '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
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 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$13.95
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
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-
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
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
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$24.77
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
leptospermum-wairere-
Leptospermum 'Wairere'

Leptospermum 'Wairere' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and masses of attractive flowers through spring and summer. This...

From$27.53
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 '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
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
A magnificant Photinia 'Super Hedge' hedge.
Photinia 'Super Hedge'

Photinia 'Super Hedge' features bright and colourful foliage with bright red new growth. This foliage ages to become mid-dark green, resulting in a...

From$24.95
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
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
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
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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 Gardenia 'Veitchii' and Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant), Hoheria angustifolia, and Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus) quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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