Our Top Hedging Plants
22 Jan, 2024
Top Hedging Varieties
Corokia
A New Zealand native, Corokia comes in a range of varieties, from bright greens, to silver and even chocolate foliage, that will brighten up any garden. Spacing requirements vary depending on how large each variety gets.
Spacing: approx. 30cm to 50cm apart.
Height: 30cm to 2m tall.
Buxus
A small-leaved, tightly compact evergreen plant that has traditionally been used to define garden bed edging, for lining paths and creating topiaries.
Spacing: approx. 20cm to 30cm apart.
Height: 20cm to 1.5m tall.
Michelia Figo (Port Wine Magnolia)
This beautiful, thick, evergreen plant has dense foliage, making it perfect for hedging. Michelias are related to magnolias, and also produces highly fragrant flowers in spring and summer.
Spacing: approx. 75cm to 1m apart.
Height: up to 2m tall.
Pittosporums
With lots of different varieties to choose from, these native plants have a steady growth rate and look great in any native-themed garden, where they can be grown as screening plants. Pittosporum are best grown in full sun.
Spacing: approx. 75cm apart.
Height: 1m to 3m tall.
Eugenia
Also known as ‘lilly pillies’, eugenia is the most common hedging plant in Auckland. Dense evergreen foliage makes it perfect for blocking out nosy neighbours, being fast growing and dry tolerant, they are perfect for screening from tall surrounding buildings.
Spacing: approx. 75cm apart.
Height: 1.5m to 3m tall.
Griselinia
Our most popular hedging plant, Griselinias have large, glossy, evergreen foliage that’s perfect for providing privacy. Pruning will decide how tall the hedge will reach. Maintain well to keep the growth bushy and lush.
Spacing: approx. 75cm apart.
Height: 1m to 2.5m tall.
Ficus Tuffi
A very popular, fast-growing hedge plant, the Ficus Tuffi features bright emerald green foliage that darkens with age. Tuffi can be clipped into any shape and is ideal for formal gardens. It’s perfect for lining driveways or as a privacy screen.
Spacing: approx. 100cm apart.
Height: up to 4m tall.
Caring For Your Hedge
Position
When it comes to positioning your hedge, take notice of how far apart you are planting your trees. If you want to see results faster, plant them closer together, or if you want to take your time, plant them further apart.
Soil
Before you start planting, make sure your soil is in tip-top shape by digging in some Kings Compost. If you're using larger plants, don't forget to stake them while they establish their roots. And if your soil is clay-based, adding a bit of Gypsum Claybreaker will help out even more.
Plant
When it comes time to plant, pay attention to how the plant is already growing. Plant the bushier sides facing away from the next plant so that your hedge fills in quicker. And don't forget to give them a good deep watering when you're finished.
Tip
Trim your hedges regularly to encourage healthier, thicker and more symmetrical growth of your plants.