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

A lime tree hedge is a standout choice for New Zealand gardeners who want vibrant greenery, structure, and year-round interest in their landscape. Perfect as a natural screen, privacy barrier, or even a formal boundary, a lime tree hedge offers elegant foliage and can be shaped to fit any garden style, from classic to contemporary. If you're considering a lush hedge that's both beautiful and practical, this guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, planting, and maintaining a lime tree hedge.

Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'

Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime', also known as Variegated Mirror Bush, is a compact New Zealand native shrub featuring small, glossy leaves variegated in shades of lemon, lime, and green. Growing up to 1.2 metres tall and 1 metre wide, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, tolerating coastal conditions, wind, and light frost. This low-maintenance plant is ideal for hedging, containers, and adding vibrant year-round colour to gardens.

Buy Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'

From $21.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.20 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas

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

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a bright and eye catching honeysuckle valued for its vivid lime foliage and compact, tidy habit. This hardy shrub forms a dense hedge that brings freshness and year round colour to New Zealand gardens. It establishes quickly, produces soft cream flowers that attract pollinators, and thrives with minimal care. Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is ideal for gardeners wanting a low maintenance hedge with strong ornamental appeal.

Buy Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

From $22.88

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

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

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

Why Choose a Lime Tree Hedge?

A lime tree hedge creates a fresh, structured backdrop with glossy, heart-shaped leaves and subtle fragrance, especially when in flower. It's an excellent way to bring privacy to patios, add visual rhythm to pathways, or provide wind and noise protection. In New Zealand's mild climates, a lime tree hedge thrives in both full sun and part shade, and is surprisingly resilient to urban conditions.

If you’re seeking alternatives with a similar crisp green palette but different shapes and textures, consider Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' for a compact, evergreen screen or Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime' for more vibrant colour contrast.

The Best Lime Tree Species for Hedging

When choosing a variety for your lime tree hedge, European lime trees—also known as linden trees—are highly recommended. Tilia europaea, the common lime, is prized for its rapid growth and dense foliage, making it a favourite for both formal and informal hedges. If you prefer a slightly smaller, more delicate option, Tilia cordata, or small-leaved lime, is ideal due to its finer leaves and tighter growth habit, perfect for neatly clipped hedges.

Planting and Caring for Your Lime Tree Hedge

To establish a thriving lime tree hedge, plant your trees in well-drained soil and space them about 1-1.5 metres apart for optimal density. Regular watering during the first few seasons helps develop a healthy root system. Annual pruning maintains the shape and encourages dense growth. Both Tilia europaea and Tilia cordata respond well to pruning and will quickly regenerate if cut back hard.

For gardens that experience strong winds or coastal conditions, Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine) is another outstanding hedge plant to explore, thanks to its tough, evergreen nature and attractive form.

Design Tips

A lime tree hedge looks striking along driveways, property lines, or as a frame for feature garden beds. Underplant with perennials or spring bulbs for seasonal interest. Or, mix lime trees with other hedging plants like Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' for varied height and texture.

Lime Tree Hedges in New Zealand Gardens

Whether you want a classic boundary or a living privacy wall, a lime tree hedge will reward you with lush growth, subtle flowers, and an enduringly elegant look. Explore our selection of hedging favourites, including the ever-popular Tilia europaea and other striking greenery, to start your next garden project.

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.