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small leaf privet

Small leaf privet is one of the most versatile and widely used hedging plants in New Zealand gardens. Known for its dense, glossy foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of environments, small leaf privet is a reliable choice for those seeking formal hedges, privacy screens, or attractive topiary features. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a home gardener, understanding the best care, planting methods, and alternative privet varieties will help you achieve the look you want in your garden.

heterocentron-elegans-4

Heterocentron elegans

Heterocentron elegans, commonly known as Spanish Shawl, is a tender groundcover suited to warmer climates. It produces small and lush, dark green leaves which often have a bronze tint. Through summer it produces masses of small, dark pink flowers which add additional elegance to this plant. It typically grows to 20 cm tall and 1 m wide. Heterocentron elegans is commonly mass planted as a groundcover, included in tropical or cottage gardens, planted around the base of larger trees, grown so it can spill over the edge of a wall, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki is a stunning Japanese Maple due to its delicate foliage and small stature. Small and soft looking leaves emerge yellow-green in spring with reddish margins. They mature to a light green in summer before turning spectacular shades of yellow and orange in autumn before falling. It grows with a somewhat rounded shape to about 2.5 m tall and the same wide. Acer Hanami Nishiki makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for including in a mixed planting, planting to soften a bland wall, maintaining in a container or courtyard garden, planting to border an entrance, or for using anywhere the spectacular colours can be enjoyed.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Heterocentron elegans

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Acer, Bergenia, Buxus, Cercis, Ficus, Fuscospora, Heterocentron, Leptinella, Ligularia, Ligustrum, Murraya, Osmanthus, Persicaria, Pittosporum, Prostanthera, Pyrus, Robinia, Scutellaria, Sophora Tilia and Zieria, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Flowering Pears and Maple Tree.

Search small leaf privet

What Is Small Leaf Privet?

Small leaf privet typically refers to compact privet varieties with finer leaves, making them highly desirable for neat, structured hedges and low-maintenance borders. Their small, oval leaves grow densely along slender branches, creating an appealing evergreen look year-round. Small leaf privet tolerates regular pruning, shaping easily into crisp, structured forms.

Planting and Growing Conditions

Small leaf privet is highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay. It prefers full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for most New Zealand gardens. For an optimal hedge, space plants approximately 30–50cm apart. Water well during establishment and mulch to retain moisture. Once established, small leaf privet demonstrates drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements. Regular trimming in late spring or early summer keeps the hedge neat and healthy.

Uses in Landscaping

Small leaf privet is especially popular for formal hedges, low barriers, and pathway edging. Its responsive growth means it can also be maintained as topiary balls or other decorative forms. For coastal, urban, or rural properties, small leaf privet offers year-round greenery and privacy solutions. It can even serve as a backdrop for flowering perennials and feature plants.

Alternative Privet Varieties

If you love the look of small leaf privet, you may also be interested in other privet varieties, each with unique characteristics. Consider browsing these related evergreen options:

Maintenance Tips

To keep your small leaf privet healthy and looking smart, prune lightly and often to maintain the desired shape. Fertilise in late winter with a slow-release fertiliser, and keep an eye out for signs of root rot in poorly drained soils. With the right care, your small leaf privet hedge or feature will provide decades of performance and appeal.

For more ideas on the best privet for your garden, explore our range of Ligustrum species and discover the right evergreen solution for every space.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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