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plants suitable for hedges

Finding the right plants suitable for hedges is key to creating attractive, low-maintenance boundaries for your home or garden. Whether you're looking for privacy, wind protection, or a decorative feature, New Zealand gardeners have an outstanding selection of hedge-friendly plants to choose from. The ideal hedge plant is robust, maintains dense growth, responds well to pruning, and thrives in local conditions. Read on to discover some of the best options, planting tips, and expert recommendations for beautiful, long-lasting hedges.

Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white flowers that appear over a long season. It is an excellent choice for hedging, coastal gardens, borders, containers, and water wise landscapes.

Buy Westringia fruticosa

From $18.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern

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 glossy leaves that are variegated green and yellow. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. It can be trimmed as necessary, even down to 15 cm.

Buy Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

From $16.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

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

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

How to Choose Plants Suitable for Hedges

When selecting plants suitable for hedges, consider your desired hedge height, growth rate, evergreen or deciduous foliage, and the specific look you want to achieve. Fast-growing species can quickly provide privacy but may require regular trimming, while slow growers need less maintenance but take longer to fill out. You'll also want to factor in sun exposure, soil type, and your climate to ensure healthy, thriving plants.

Top Plants Suitable for Hedges in New Zealand

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge' Series

The Lonicera 'Honey Hedge' range offers hardy, evergreen plants that excel as formal or informal hedges. Known for their dense, lush foliage, these varieties keep their neat appearance with minimal effort and respond well to clipping.

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' offers vibrant yellow-green foliage, brightening up garden borders and adding a cheerful tone even in winter.
For a bolder look, Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' provides rich lime leaves, ideal for a contemporary, fresh hedge.
If you prefer a splash of colour, Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby' brings striking ruby hues that make a statement in any landscape.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Popular for its glossy, reflective leaves, Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant) creates stunning, low-maintenance hedges suited for coastal and windy sites. The Mirror Plant tolerates salt spray, clipping, and poor soils—making it an excellent choice for exposed positions or garden borders requiring year-round shine.

Viburnum Hedge Master

Viburnum Hedge Master is beloved for its dense, medium-sized growth that suits both privacy screens and formal hedging. This variety produces sweet, fragrant white blooms in spring, followed by clusters of berries, and holds its foliage well into the cooler months.

Planting and Care Tips

For a healthy hedge, space plants according to the recommended planting distances on their labels—usually 30-60cm apart for tighter results. Water young hedges well after planting, mulch to retain moisture, and feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season. Early pruning promotes bushy, thick growth, ensuring your hedge stays lush and full for years to come.

Enhance Your Garden with the Right Hedge

Exploring the best plants suitable for hedges gives you options for every site and style. From the vibrant Lonicera 'Honey Hedge' series to the tough and glossy Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant) and fragrant Viburnum Hedge Master, you can create a dynamic green boundary tailored exactly to your needs. Browse our range for more inspiration and start building the perfect hedge today.

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.

plants suitable for hedges

Westringia fruticosa

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

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How to Choose Plants Suitable for Hedges