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small hedge plants

Creating a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape often starts with the right choice of small hedge plants. Whether you’re looking to define borders, boost curb appeal, or add privacy to your outdoor space, small hedge plants offer versatile solutions ideal for New Zealand gardens. These compact shrubs are perfect for urban yards, patios, or along pathways where space is limited, delivering dense foliage, year-round interest, and easy shaping.

Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.

Corokia 'Little Prince'

Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems afford an unusual element to this plant. It produces masses of small, yellow flowers in spring which are followed by red berries in autumn as it grows to 3 m tall and 1.5 m wide.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.

Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

5 from 1 customers

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage and adaptability to shaping. Ideal for formal hedges, borders, and topiary, it maintains its vibrant colour year-round.

From $44.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$129.95
pittosporum-small-ball-
Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$22.01
buxus-green-gem-
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$129.95
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
An informal Escallonia 'Pink Elle' hedge growing alongside a fence.
Escallonia 'Pink Elle'

Escallonia 'Pink Elle' is a compact variety of Escallonia, prized for its attractive foliage and small, fragrant flowers. Glossy, green leaves give...

From$99.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$99.95
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
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' features small, mid-green leaves with cream-white edges on new growth, which age to become a darker green. It grows to...

From$16.95
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...

From$22.01
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
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$22.01
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
osmanthus-heterophyllus-
Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as False Holly, is an evergreen shrub grown for its attractive foliage and pretty flowers. It produces spiny...

From$37.19
Buxus microphylla 'Koreana' (Korean Box) plant with lush, green foliage.
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$16.95
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
corokia-pounamu-
Corokia Pounamu

Corokia Pounamu is a NZ native shrub featuring narrow, olive-green foliage. New foliage has a layer of felt on the underside of the leaves which...

From$17.95
Corokia 'Geentys Giant' green leaves.
Corokia 'Geenty's Giant'

Corokia 'Geenty's Giant' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears green-yellow foliage held densely on slender, upright branches. Masses of small...

From$17.95
Corokia 'Sunsplash' shrub with yellow foliage in a garden.
Corokia 'Sunsplash'

Corokia 'Sunsplash' is a NZ native shrub grown for its impressive foliage. It features small leaves that are variegated yellow with a central splash...

From$17.95
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
Corokia cheesemanii shrub with grey-green foliage growing in a border garden.
Corokia cheesemanii

Corokia cheesemanii is a hardy, NZ native shrub that grows with a bushy habit and features attractive, olive green-silver foliage. The small leaves...

From$17.95
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$13.95
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
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
Corokia 'Little Prince'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search small hedge plants

Why Choose Small Hedge Plants?

Small hedge plants are popular among gardeners for their adaptability and manageable size. They create neat, structured lines without overwhelming your garden. Many varieties grow slowly, making them perfect for formal borders or informal screens. With regular trimming, they maintain a tidy appearance and encourage lush growth, making them ideal for both amateur and expert gardeners.

Best Small Hedge Plants for New Zealand Gardens

When it comes to reliable small hedge plants, there are standout performers that thrive in New Zealand’s climate. Here are some top choices:

Tips for Planting and Caring for Small Hedge Plants

To achieve a healthy, robust hedge, start by preparing the soil with plenty of organic matter and ensure good drainage. Space your plants according to their mature width—crowding can hinder growth and air circulation. Most small hedge plants respond well to regular trimming, which encourages bushy growth and creates precise lines. Fertilising in spring and mulch application help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Landscaping Ideas Using Small Hedge Plants

Small hedges are perfect for defining garden zones, framing walkways, and adding structure to cottage gardens. Use them to outline patios or create low screens around outdoor seating areas. They can also be paired with taller shrubs and flowering plants for layered visual interest.

Find Your Ideal Small Hedge Plant

Transform your landscape with the stunning range of small hedge plants available at our nursery. From the classic appeal of Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood) to the flowering beauty of Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant), discover the perfect hedge for your space, all expertly grown and ready for planting.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' and Griselinia 'Canterbury' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Grape 'Candice Seedless', Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu), and Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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