Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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plants used for hedges

Looking for the best plants used for hedges in New Zealand? Whether you want to create privacy, define your property, or add year-round greenery, hedging plants provide structure, beauty, and even wind protection for gardens large and small. From fast-growing screening plants to low-maintenance evergreens, selecting the right variety is essential for a healthy, attractive hedge that thrives in your local climate.

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit. This versatile plant is widely used in NZ gardens for hedging, screening, and formal planting where year round structure and privacy are desired.

Buy Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

From $21.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

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

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, 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: 1.75 m

Spread: 1.25 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

Why Choose Plants Used for Hedges?

Hedges play a vital role in New Zealand landscaping. They offer privacy from neighbours, reduce noise, and shelter your outdoor spaces from strong winds. Many plants used for hedges are also effective at filtering air pollution and attracting wildlife. With the right choice, you can enjoy lush foliage, seasonal flowers, or glossy leaves that make your hedge a striking feature all year round.

Top Choices: Plants Used for Hedges

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' and Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

For gardeners seeking hardy, fast-growing options, Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' and Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' are outstanding. These evergreen honeysuckles have dense, glossy foliage that retains their vibrant lime or lemon tones year-round. Lonicera makes a superb clipped hedge, tolerating regular pruning and suiting both formal and informal garden designs.

Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum) is a popular hedge choice in New Zealand for good reason. Its round, leathery leaves form a dense barrier that’s perfect for privacy and wind shelter. Ligustrum grows rapidly and is resilient in various soil types, making it one of the most versatile plants used for hedges in urban and coastal gardens alike.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

For a coastal-tough, glossy option, look to Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant). With its reflective, thick leaves and resilience to salt-laden winds, Coprosma repens is excellent for exposed sites. This evergreen shrub can be clipped to your desired height and shape, making it adaptable for both formal hedges and more naturalistic screens.

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

If you desire a lush, refined look with soft feathery foliage, Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) is another top contender. This elegant plant can be grown as a tall hedge or trimmed lower for neat boundaries. It’s highly tolerant of pruning and admired for its graceful, upright habit.

How to Choose the Best Plants Used for Hedges

When selecting plants used for hedges, consider your site’s exposure, soil quality, desired hedge height, and maintenance preferences. Evergreen varieties provide consistent year-round cover, while some flowering hedges offer seasonal interest. Think about growth rate too—fast-growing options reach your desired height quickly, while slower growers need less frequent pruning.

Ready to transform your space? Browse our selection of top-quality hedging plants, including Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon', Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime', Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum), Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant), and Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) to find the perfect plants used for hedges for your next 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.