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upright hedge plants

Upright hedge plants are a smart solution for New Zealand gardens, giving you an elegant, space-saving way to define boundaries, create privacy, or shelter your outdoor space from wind. Whether your garden is modern or traditional, upright hedge varieties offer structure and lush greenery without demanding much room. Choosing the right upright hedge plants ensures your hedge is not only functional but also adds year-round beauty.

podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1

Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine) is a compact, upright evergreen conifer prized for its dense, dark green foliage and naturally tidy growth habit. It is an outstanding choice for hedging, screening, topiary, and feature planting in New Zealand gardens.

From $192.51

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.

Ilex 'Largo'

5 from 2 customers

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub that’s ideal for hedging, screening, or adding structure to gardens. ‘Largo’ is low maintenance and responds well to trimming, making it easy to shape.

From $136.04

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
An upright Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' shrub with blue flowers in a Mediterranean themed garden.
Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue'

The 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is a fast-growing and upright variety that features petite, sky-blue flowers borne amidst the dark green leaves through...

From$22.01
Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

From$199.95
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

From$18.95
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
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
cupressus-blue-ice-4
Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

From$270.40
A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
Ficus Tuffi

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

From$9.50
Griselinia littoralis plant with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia littoralis

Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as Kapuka, is a popular New Zealand native shrub valued for its lush, glossy green foliage and dense, upright...

From$12.95
camellia-slimline-avalanche-
Camellia Slimline Avalanche

Camellia 'Slimline Avalanche' is an elegant evergreen shrub known for its pure white blooms and narrow upright growth. It delivers bright winter to...

From$34.95
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
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
chamaecyparis-boulevard-2
Chamaecyparis 'Boulevard'

Chamaecyparis 'Boulevard' is an elegant evergreen conifer known for its soft silvery blue foliage and feathery texture. It brings year round...

From$37.19
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
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
Feijoa Arhart fruit in a basket.
Feijoa 'Arhart'

Feijoa 'Arhart' produces large fruit in late autumn. The sweet and tasty fruit is grown on an evergreen shrub that typically grows to 3 m tall and 2...

From$35.81
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4
Magnolia 'Teddy Bear'

Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' is a compact evergreen magnolia admired for its glossy dark green leaves with rich brown felted undersides and its large...

From$270.40
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$30.29
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
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
camellia-japonica-black-tie-
Camellia 'Black Tie'

Camellia 'Black Tie' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub admired for its large formal deep red blooms and glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$28.95
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
camellia-japonica-black-lace-
Camellia 'Black Lace'

Camellia 'Black Lace' is a dramatic evergreen shrub admired for its deep velvety red blooms set against glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$34.95
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
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
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
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
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
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
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cupressus, Ficus, and Griselinia, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search upright hedge plants

Why Choose Upright Hedge Plants?

The vertical growth habit of upright hedge plants makes them ideal for narrow spaces, small sections, and lining driveways or paths. These hedges grow taller than they spread, making them perfect when you want a dense, living screen without invading your valuable planting area. Many upright varieties are tough, require minimal pruning, and provide attractive foliage or flowers throughout the year.

Popular Upright Hedge Plant Options

Selecting the best upright hedge plants for your garden will depend on the look you want and your site conditions. Here are some top picks that thrive across New Zealand:

Planting and Maintaining Upright Hedge Plants

Success with upright hedge plants starts with proper spacing—this ensures each plant forms a dense, joined hedge without crowding. Most upright hedges need little pruning, except for an annual tidy-up to encourage fullness and maintain shape. Choose a site with suitable sunlight and, for most varieties, well-drained soil. Water new plants well while they establish, then enjoy years of reliable performance with minimal fuss.

Transform Your Outdoor Space

Upright hedge plants do more than divide or shield your garden—they create inviting green rooms, support garden design, and frame views all year round. Explore our range of quality upright hedge plants, including Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue', Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon', Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo), Weigela Apple Blossom, and Taxus baccata Fastigata to find the perfect fit for your home. With the right plants, your next hedge could become a lasting feature in the garden you love.

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.
The spotlight often lands on Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', but Agapanthus 'Lapis', Lavender 'Bee Brilliant', and Feijoa sellowiana deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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