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low hedge plants

Low hedge plants are a fantastic solution if you’re looking to define garden edges, create privacy without losing sunlight, or highlight pathways with texture and greenery. In New Zealand, the right choice of low-growing hedges ensures year-round interest, easy maintenance, and adaptability to various garden styles — whether you favour a neat, formal look or a softer, more natural border. Below, we explore some of the best low hedge plant options for Kiwi gardens, including their attributes and how they can transform your outdoor space.

Escallonia 'Snowbud' lush green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Escallonia 'Snowbud'

Escallonia 'Snowbud' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of pure white flowers. This attractive variety produces an abundance of blooms over an extended period, bringing brightness and elegance to the garden while attracting pollinators.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
westringia-aussie-box-

Westringia 'Aussie Box'

5 from 4 customers

Westringia 'Aussie Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense bright green foliage, naturally rounded habit, and small white flowers that appear throughout much of the year. Its neat growth makes it an excellent alternative to traditional box hedging and is perfect for formal gardens, borders, containers, and low hedges.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
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
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
A Metrosideros 'Tahiti' shrub about 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide with red flowers and lush foliage.
Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

Metrosideros 'Tahiti', commonly known as Dwarf Pohutukawa, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red flowers and silver-green foliage...

From$28.91
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$16.95
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
coprosma-scarlett-ohara-
Coprosma 'Scarlett O'Hara'

Coprosma 'Scarlett O’Hara' is a vibrant evergreen shrub admired for its striking red toned foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful...

From$17.95
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$17.95
coprosma-repens-plum-hussey--1
Coprosma 'Plum Hussey'

Coprosma 'Plum Hussey' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich plum purple foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful New...

From$17.95
Leptospermum Nanum Ruru shrub with dark pink flowers.
Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru'

Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru' is a compact NZ native shrub valued for its dense evergreen foliage, tidy rounded form, and masses of small flowers that...

From$27.53
viburnum-davidii-male-3
Viburnum davidii (male)

Viburnum davidii (Male) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its distinctive leathery foliage with deeply impressed veins and naturally rounded...

From$27.53
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby' red and green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby' is a superb hedge forming honeysuckle valued for its deep green foliage and profusion of rich ruby toned flowers. This...

From$16.95
Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary...

From$12.95
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.
Thuja 'Green Giant'

Thuja 'Green Giant' is a smaller variety of Cedar and bears sprays of glossy, dark green foliage held on slender stems. The result is a tree with a...

From$16.95
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Ilex 'Largo'

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$136.04
westringia-fruticosa-3
Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white...

From$18.95
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$24.77
correa-alba-2
Correa alba

Correa alba is a hardy evergreen shrub valued for its attractive grey green foliage and small white star like flowers. It brings year round interest...

From$25.53
correa-limelight-
Correa 'Limelight'

Correa 'Limelight' (Australian Fuchsia) is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its soft green foliage and lime tinged creamy flowers that appear over a...

From$25.53
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
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
Syzygium Resilience hedge.
Syzygium 'Resilience'

Syzygium 'Resilience', commonly known as Lilly Pilly 'Resilience', is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage, dense growth habit...

From$281.05
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
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
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas 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
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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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
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
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Escallonia 'Snowbud'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Coprosma, and Escallonia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search low hedge plants

Why Choose Low Hedge Plants?

Low hedge plants offer practical and aesthetic benefits for all types of gardens. They act as living borders that clearly define different areas, direct foot traffic, and prevent soil erosion. Unlike tall hedges, low varieties preserve views and sunlight, making them ideal for front gardens, driveways, and small sections. Their limited growth height means less pruning and fuss, yet you can still enjoy lush foliage or seasonal flowers. Most low hedge plants also tolerate New Zealand’s variable climate, from coastal breezes to frosty inland mornings.

Top Low Hedge Plants for New Zealand Gardens

When selecting low hedge plants, consider their growth habit, leaf colour, flowering potential, and ease of care. Here are some standout choices for Kiwis seeking stunning, easy-care garden borders:

Ilex crenata Helleri

Famed for its small, glossy leaves and compact growth, Ilex crenata Helleri is an exceptional alternative to box hedging. It clips beautifully, making it perfect for neat, formal lines or topiary features in contained beds.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo) is a hardy, low-growing New Zealand native, ideal for low-maintenance hedges. Its dense foliage provides year-round structure and is tolerant of wind, salt, and drought, making it a go-to in coastal or exposed sites.

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

For those seeking a glossy, attractive foliage plant that keeps compact, consider Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata). It’s great for informal hedges, requiring minimal shaping, and thrives in poor soils or exposed coastal gardens.

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a versatile honeysuckle variety especially suitable for low boundaries. It offers vibrant green leaves with a fine texture and is easily clipped into crisp forms, providing quick coverage for all types of garden borders.

Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant)

Bring colour and fragrance into the mix with Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant). This unique shrub produces masses of violet, lavender, and white blooms over a long season, perfect for adding sensory appeal along pathways and entrances.

Planting and Caring for Low Hedge Plants

Most low hedge plants perform best in well-drained soil, with regular water during their establishment period. Mulch around the roots to suppress weeds and preserve moisture. For a formal look, trim hedges lightly two to three times during the growing season. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage lush growth and flowering.

Enhancing your landscape with low hedge plants is a simple way to gain structure, define spaces, and enjoy garden beauty with minimal effort. Browse our range of hedge and border favourites to find the perfect match for your outdoor space.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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