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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.

Westringia 'Aussie Box' shrubs in a garden with lilac flowers and mid-green foliage.

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: 65 cm
Spread: 65 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
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf variety provides year round structure and colour while requiring very little maintenance, making it ideal for modern landscapes and smaller gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, 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
Pittosporum 'Little Squirt' shrubs.
Pittosporum 'Little Squirt'

Pittosporum 'Little Squirt' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally tidy form. This dwarf...

From$26.15
Ilex crenata 'Helleri' shrubs in a border garden.
Ilex crenata 'Helleri'

Ilex crenata 'Helleri' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and a dense, mounding habit. Resembling boxwood in...

From$27.53
Westringia 'Grey Box' shrubs in garden with fine, grey-green foliage.
Westringia 'Grey Box'

Westringia 'Grey Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its soft grey green foliage, naturally dense rounded habit, and small white flowers...

From$19.95
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 '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
Lavender 'Baby Pink Princess' shrubs in a garden covered with stunning, pink flowers.
Lavender 'Baby Pink Princess'

Lavender 'Baby Pink Princess' is a compact flowering shrub valued for its soft pink flower spikes, aromatic foliage, and long flowering season. The...

From$22.95
Buxus koreana plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
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
viburnum-davidii-male-3
Viburnum davidii (male)

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

From$27.53
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
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
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
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
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$19.95
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
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
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
A Buxus microphylla 'Freedom' plant with lush, green foliage.
Buxus microphylla 'Freedom'

Buxus microphylla 'Freedom' is a fast-growing, evergreen box hedge variety popular in NZ gardens. It forms dense, bright green foliage that responds...

From$17.95
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$136.04
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
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
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
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
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
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
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
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Euonymus, and Ilex, 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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