Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

native hedging plants

Native hedging plants are a versatile and sustainable choice for New Zealand gardens. Whether you’re after shelter from the wind, privacy from neighbours, or simply want to encourage native birdlife, hedges made with indigenous species are both practical and beautiful. New Zealand’s native plants are well-suited to local climates, providing robust, low-maintenance green boundaries that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Choosing native hedging plants supports biodiversity, as these species have evolved alongside local wildlife and contribute to a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Coprosma repens 'Middlemore' high-quality plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Coprosma 'Middlemore'

Coprosma 'Middlemore' is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its dense bright green foliage and compact rounded growth habit. Well suited to a wide range of New Zealand conditions, it is tough low maintenance and reliable. This variety is ideal for gardeners wanting a versatile evergreen shrub for hedging borders shelter planting and structured landscape design.

Buy Coprosma 'Middlemore'

From $16.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.20 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

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

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

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. Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is an excellent choice for hedging, growing around pools and barbecue areas, adding to a mixed planting, or growing as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Buy Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

From $26.15

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

Why Choose Native Hedging Plants?

Native hedging plants offer several advantages over exotic alternatives. They generally require less watering and fertilising, as they’re adapted to New Zealand soil and weather. Growing native hedges also means fewer pest and disease problems, making them a more eco-friendly, low-effort option. Additionally, these plants provide vital food and shelter for birds and insects, helping your garden become a thriving habitat.

Best Native Hedging Plant Options

When selecting native hedging plants, it’s important to consider the conditions in your garden—such as sun exposure, soil type, and the desired height of your hedge. Some of the most popular choices include:

Pittosporum tenuifolium: An elegant and fast-growing shrub, Pittosporum tenuifolium is prized for its tidy growth habit and attractive foliage. It’s easy to clip into formal shapes or allow to form a more relaxed, informal screen.
Griselinia littoralis: Known for its glossy, abundant green leaves, Griselinia littoralis is a classic choice for coastal gardens and exposed sites. It forms a dense, evergreen hedge that offers excellent wind protection.
Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki): With its fine-textured leaves and graceful branching, Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki) makes a lovely, soft-looking hedge that attracts native birds.
Olearia paniculata (Akiraho): Olearia paniculata (Akiraho) is valued for its wavy, pale green leaves with silvery undersides. Hardy and tolerant of exposed sites, it works well for medium-height hedges.
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist': For a compact, neatly-shaped hedge, Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' offers dense, glossy foliage that clips well and remains attractive year-round.

Planting and Caring for Native Hedges

Establishing native hedging plants begins with good site preparation. Clear weeds, improve drainage, and incorporate compost for best results. When planting, space your hedges according to their mature spread to allow even growth. Mulch well to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds during the crucial establishment phase. Regular trimming will encourage dense, tidy growth and help you maintain the desired shape. With a little planning and care, your native hedge will develop into a long-lasting, easy-care feature.

Create a Lush, Native Shelter

Choosing native hedging plants not only enhances your garden’s privacy and aesthetics—it’s also a positive step toward supporting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. Explore our range of native species like Pittosporum tenuifolium, Griselinia littoralis, and Olearia paniculata (Akiraho) to find the perfect fit for your landscape. Investing in native hedging is a decision your garden, and local wildlife, will thank you for.

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.

native hedging plants

Coprosma 'Middlemore'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose Native Hedging Plants?

Best Native Hedging Plant Options

Planting and Caring for Native Hedges

Create a Lush, Native Shelter

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

native hedging plants

Coprosma 'Middlemore'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose Native Hedging Plants?

Best Native Hedging Plant Options

Planting and Caring for Native Hedges

Create a Lush, Native Shelter

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

Free shipping on orders over $150!