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narrow hedge plants

Looking for the perfect narrow hedge plants to create structure and privacy in your garden, without sacrificing valuable space? Whether you're working with a petite courtyard or a slim boundary line, narrow hedge plants bring lush greenery, year-round interest, and a refined edge to your outdoor living area. Choosing the right hedge variety can be the difference between a functional fence and a true garden statement. Here, you'll discover ideal plants for slim hedges, tips on planting and maintenance, and some of our favourite selections perfectly suited to New Zealand conditions.

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 3 m tall and 2 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

5 from 2 customers

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich green, sometimes tinged bronze in winter, and produced with a somewhat layered effect to give the plant an interesting texture. It typically grows to 7 m in height and 2.5 m in width in full sun.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: 75 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
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
camellia-slimline-avalanche-
Camellia 'Slimline Avalanche'

Camellia 'Slimline Avalanche' is an elegant evergreen shrub known for its pure white blooms and narrow upright growth. It delivers bright winter to...

From$34.95
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is an elegant conifer that grows with a narrow and dense, pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green, sometimes...

From$17.95
Buxus 'Graham Blandy' boxwood shrubs growing as a cluster.
Buxus 'Graham Blandy'

Buxus 'Graham Blandy' is a distinctive, upright boxwood cultivar prized in New Zealand for its narrow, columnar form and year-round evergreen...

From$44.95
Large Muehlenbeckia astonii shrub in a garden.
Muehlenbeckia astonii (Mingimingi)

Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as the Wiggy Wig Bush or Shrubby Tororaro, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its...

From$20.63
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$17.95
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
ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
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
Buxus harlandii shrub with dense, green foliage.
Buxus harlandii

Buxus harlandii grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide with charming, bright green leaves. Best results with this evergreen shrub are achieved...

From$17.95
cupressus-sempervirens-stricta-2
Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic...

From$179.91
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
cupressus-gracilis-1
Cupressus 'Gracilis'

Cupressus 'Gracilis' (Italian Spruce) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright growth habit and dense dark green foliage...

From$270.40
Buxus 'Green Gem' dense hedge.
Buxus 'Green Gem'

Buxus 'Green Gem' is a compact, evergreen boxwood plant that is ideal for low hedges, borders, and topiary in New Zealand gardens. It forms a dense...

From$17.95
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
Fagus 'Dawyck Green' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green'

Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green', also known as Green Beech, is a stunning columnar tree with dense, glossy green foliage. Its upright, narrow growth...

From$270.40
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
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
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.
Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$64.79
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
Colourful Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo 'Fastigiata'

Ginkgo 'Fastigiata' is a narrow, upright form of the Maidenhair Tree, ideal for smaller spaces or formal plantings. It grows to around 10 to 12...

From$387.55
Acer 'Armstrong' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Armstrong'

Acer 'Armstrong' is a distinctive Maple grown for its narrow, upright growth habit and fabulous autumn colours. This fast-growing tree produces a...

From$299.95
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
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
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
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
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
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
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Camellia, and Corokia, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search narrow hedge plants

Why Choose Narrow Hedge Plants?

Narrow hedge plants are ideal for modern landscapes where space is at a premium. Their upright, columnar, or slender growth habits mean you get dense screening without bulky width. This makes them a smart solution for driveways, along fences, or framing pathways, while still leaving room for other garden plantings. Many narrow hedge varieties offer attractive foliage year-round, easy shaping, and resilience against wind and coastal conditions—a must for New Zealand gardens.

Top Picks for Narrow Hedging

Finding the best narrow hedge plants depends on your preferred look and desired upkeep. For an elegant, formal screen, Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is a favourite. Its tight, columnar shape and evergreen foliage make it perfect for anyone seeking neat vertical lines with minimal trimming. For those craving something hardy and uniquely New Zealand, Pseudopanax Gold Finger brings bold foliage in a naturally slender form, thriving even in exposed spots.

If you fancy a classic, low-maintenance evergreen, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia is an exceptional selection. Its narrow leaves and compact silhouette provide privacy and security, without creating a heavy presence. For those who want a hedge that doubles as a flowering feature, Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant) will fill your garden with colour and fragrance through the warmer months. After a lush, dense hedge with quick growth? Viburnum Hedge Master forms a tall, upright hedge that’s great for screening and wind protection.

Planting and Caring for Narrow Hedge Plants

To get the most from your narrow hedge plants, good preparation is key. Plant in well-drained soil, leaving enough space between each shrub for air circulation and healthy root growth—usually 50-80cm, depending on variety. Water regularly during establishment, especially in dry or windy areas, and add mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Most narrow hedge varieties prefer full sun or partial shade, but always check specific needs for each plant.

Pruning is minimal for most narrow hedge plants but occasional shaping keeps your hedge tidy and encourages dense growth. Choose slow-release fertilisers in spring and autumn to keep foliage vibrant. With the right care, your slender hedge will thrive and bring lasting beauty to your landscape.

Start Your Narrow Hedge the Right Way

Narrow hedge plants are the secret to a smart, space-saving garden border or screen. With options like Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis', Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, Pseudopanax Gold Finger, Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant), and Viburnum Hedge Master, you’re sure to find a solution that fits your style and space. Explore our nursery for top-quality plants and expert advice to set your hedge up for success.


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.

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' and Azara microphylla are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Cordyline stricta, Acer palmatum 'Ukon', and Malus 'Arrow Gold' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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