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nz natives for hedging

Creating a lush, low-maintenance hedge doesn’t mean you have to look beyond Aotearoa’s own backyard. If you’re searching for NZ natives for hedging, you’ll find an impressive range of options perfectly adapted to New Zealand’s climate, delivering privacy, structure, and beautiful foliage all year round. Natives are fantastic for supporting local wildlife and, with the right plant choices, can thrive in coastal, rural, and urban situations. Let’s explore some of the top picks and tips for building a hardy, attractive native hedge.

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy lime-green foliage and natural resilience. Ideal for hedging, screening, or coastal planting, this hardy variety thrives in various conditions and offers year-round colour with minimal maintenance. Whether you're creating a formal hedge or a wind-tolerant garden boundary, Griselinia Broadway Mint delivers vibrant structure and reliable performance across New Zealand landscapes.

Buy Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

From $16.13

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

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

Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a dense, upright structure ideal for formal hedges, privacy screens, or coastal shelter. This hardy evergreen variety thrives in various conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and exposed sites with salt-laden winds. With its tidy form, year-round color, and low maintenance requirements, Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a reliable and stylish choice for New Zealand gardens.

Buy Griselinia 'Canterbury'

From $22.88

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening

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

Why Choose NZ Natives for Hedging?

Choosing NZ natives for hedging means you’re selecting plants that have evolved for local conditions, offering resilience to wind, drought, and pests. They tend to establish quickly and often require less maintenance than exotic species. NZ native hedging plants are ideal for privacy screens, garden borders, and even formal clipped hedges, while also adding a uniquely Kiwi look to your landscape.

Top Native Plants for Hedging

When it comes to NZ natives for hedging, several species stand out for their versatility, density, and ease of care.

Griselinia

Among the most popular options, Griselinia varieties are known for their glossy, vibrant green leaves and fast growth habit. For a classic tidy hedge, Griselinia littoralis is a perennial favourite, valued for its ability to withstand coastal winds and urban pollution. If you’re after a refined, lush boundary, Griselinia 'Canterbury' forms a dense, attractive screen, ideal for shelter and privacy. For an even more contemporary look, Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' offers slightly more compact growth and a lovely mint-green hue.

Pittosporum

Pittosporums are another trusted group for hedging. Their naturally bushy form and decorative foliage make them a go-to for both informal and clipped hedges. Pittosporum Silver Pillar features striking silvery-green leaves, perfect for brightening up a border or adding contrast to your garden design. For something with a touch more colour, Pittosporum Millfield Magic boasts variegated leaves and a tidy growth habit—fantastic for contemporary or cottage-style gardens.

Planting and Caring for Native Hedges

For best results, plan your hedge location carefully—most NZ natives for hedging perform well in full sun to partial shade and cope with a variety of soils, provided drainage is good. Spacing will depend on species, but generally, placing plants 80cm to 1m apart will ensure a dense, uniform screen. Mulch well after planting and water regularly while young. Once established, these natives need minimal upkeep, apart from the occasional trim to keep your hedge in shape.

Transform Your Garden with NZ Natives

Choosing NZ natives for hedging is a practical, sustainable, and beautiful way to define your garden’s spaces. Whether you prefer the robust greenery of Griselinia littoralis or the stylish foliage of Pittosporum Silver Pillar, these plants promise year-round structure and resilience. Explore our full range of NZ native shrubs and trees to find the perfect plants for your next hedging 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.