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unusual hedge plants

If you're looking to set your garden apart, unusual hedge plants offer striking alternatives to traditional options like box or privet. In New Zealand's diverse gardening climate, choosing unique hedging can provide dramatic foliage, bold blooms, or edible fruit—while still delivering the structure and privacy that hedges are famed for. Whether you want an eye-catching border, a feature hedge, or a way to attract birds and pollinators, there are plenty of less-common plants to explore.

A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.

Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

5 from 1 customers

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy evergreen is oval, rich purple, and provides a stunning backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 1 m tall and the same wide.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Winter
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
A Loropetalum 'Fire Dance' plant with gorgeous purple foliage and pink flowers growing in a pot.

Loropetalum 'Fire Dance'

5 from 1 customers

Loropetalum 'Fire Dance' features spectacularly coloured flowers and foliage. During winter, it produces fragrant, spider-like, pink flowers, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy evergreen is borne pink-purple and ages to become dark purple as it grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Winter
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Large Muehlenbeckia astonii shrub in a garden.
Muehlenbeckia astonii (Mingimingi)

Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as the Wiggy Wig Bush or Shrubby Tororaro, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its...

From$20.63
A Loropetalum 'Blonde and Gorgeous' plant with lush green foliage in a pot on a deck.
Loropetalum 'Blonde and Gorgeous'

Loropetalum 'Blonde and Gorgeous' features interesting flowers and a pendulous growth habit. Through spring and autumn, it produces spider-like...

From$28.91
Loropetalum chinense Rubrum purple and green foliage with pink flowers.
Loropetalum chinense var Rubrum

Loropetalum chinense var Rubrum features spectacularly coloured flowers and foliage. It produces fragrant, spider-like, pink-red flowers during...

From$28.91
Spectacular Loropetalum 'Plum Delight' dark purple foliage.
Loropetalum 'Plum Delight'

Loropetalum 'Plum Delight' features spectacularly coloured flowers and foliage. It produces mildly fragrant, pink flowers from winter to spring...

From$28.91
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...

From$17.95
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
correa-dusky-bells-
Correa 'Dusky Bells'

Correa 'Dusky Bells' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its attractive dusky pink bell shaped flowers and soft grey green foliage. It brings year...

From$25.53
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
correa-limelight-
Correa 'Limelight'

Correa 'Limelight' (Australian Fuchsia) is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its soft green foliage and lime tinged creamy flowers that appear over a...

From$25.53
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
westringia-fruticosa-3
Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white...

From$18.95
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
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' plants with lush, green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a bright and eye catching honeysuckle valued for its vivid lime foliage and compact, tidy habit. This hardy shrub...

From$16.95
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
Camellia Setsugekka hedge in full flower.
Camellia 'Setsugekka'

Camellia 'Setsugekka' is a sasanqua variety with large, semi-double, white flowers with wavy, fluted petals and a yellow centre. These contrast...

From$27.95
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
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
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
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
faucaria-tigrina--2
Faucaria tigrina

Faucaria tigrina, commonly known as the Tiger Jaw succulent, is an impressive plant. It features thick leaves with tiger-like teeth around the edges...

From$50.99
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
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
prunus-ukon-3
Prunus 'Ukon'

Prunus 'Ukon' is a rare and elegant flowering cherry tree admired for its unusual pale yellow green blossoms during spring. This deciduous ornamental...

From$399.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Haworthia resendeana plant.
Haworthia resendeana

Haworthia resendeana is a small succulent features thick and fleshy leaves on short stems. The dark green leaves have a rough texture and afford...

From$20.63
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
echeveria-set-oliver--1
Echeveria Set-Oliver (Echeveria Set Oliver)

Echeveria Set Oliver is a succulent that forms a rosette of furry green leaves edged with red. As conditions cool or the plant becomes moisture...

From$19.50
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
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
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search unusual hedge plants

Why Choose Unusual Hedge Plants?

Opting for unusual hedge plants opens up a whole new world of colour, texture, and form in your landscape. They can provide year-round interest, create a statement look, and often thrive where common hedges might struggle. Many rare hedges are also lower maintenance or offer extra benefits—such as fragrant flowers or edible fruit—that make them brilliant multi-taskers.

Top Choices for Stand-Out Hedges

Loropetalum Varieties

For a vibrant, evergreen hedge with seriously bold colour, consider Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous'. Its deep purple foliage and hot-pink fringe flowers will add a splash of drama to any position. Alternatively, Loropetalum 'Fire Dance' provides compact, rich red foliage and prolific, showy flowers—a real showstopper in a boundary row.

Edible and Attractive: Surinam Cherry

If you'd like a hedge that's both beautiful and productive, Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry) is a wise pick. With glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers, and brilliant red fruit that's sweet and tangy, this unusual hedge plant adds unique flavour and colour to edible landscapes.

Native Flair: Corokia 'Little Prince'

For a refined, distinctly New Zealand look, Corokia 'Little Prince' offers small, silvery-green leaves with a dense, twiggy structure—perfect for sculpted hedges or intricate garden designs. Its neat form and native resilience make it an excellent, unusual option for sustainable planting and wildlife-friendly borders.

Scented Structure: Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

If you love fragrance, Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' delivers both a distinctive look and an uplifting, lemony scent. With glossy leaves and clusters of creamy-yellow flowers, this unusual hedge plant attracts bees and butterflies, providing sensory delight along footpaths and garden edges.

How to Grow and Care for Unusual Hedge Plants

These off-the-beaten-path hedges tend to be hardy, but it's important to match the right plant to your site. Most unusual hedge plants benefit from full sun or part shade and well-drained soil. Prune lightly to encourage dense growth and maintain your preferred shape. Mulch annually and feed in spring for the best results.

Find Your Unusual Hedge Plant Today

Choosing unusual hedge plants not only adds personality to your garden but also introduces new textures, colours, and even flavours. Explore exciting varieties like Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous', Loropetalum 'Fire Dance', Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry), Corokia 'Little Prince', or Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' to turn your boundaries into true garden features. Your next standout hedge awaits.


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.

Garden icons like Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Heuchera 'Glitter', Geum 'Tempo Yellow', and Hebe buxifolia (Boxleaf Hebe).
–The Plant Company

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