Lilly Pilly (Syzygium species)
Lilly Pillies are popular evergreen hedges because they grow quickly, thicken up beautifully and offer fresh, glossy foliage. Many varieties produce soft new growth in copper or pink tones, along with fluffy flowers.
Most Lilly Pilly varieties have non-invasive, shallow root systems that spread close to the soil surface. They are generally safe to plant in suburban gardens, but spacing and location are important to avoid problems as the hedge matures.
Coastal rosemary (Westringia)
Coastal rosemary is loved for being incredibly tough. It has fine grey-green foliage and small pale flowers that appear throughout the year. It suits both formal clipped hedges and relaxed, natural screens.
Indian hawthorn
Indian hawthorn forms a compact, tidy shrub with attractive leathery leaves and clusters of pink or white spring flowers.
Japanese box
Japanese box is a classic hedging plant for neat, formal, structured garden shapes. It has small, dense leaves and responds beautifully to regular clipping.
Sasanqua camellia
Sasanqua camellias create elegant hedges with their dark green leaves and masses of flowers in shades of white, pink or red. They naturally grow upright, which helps produce a tall, graceful screen.
Photinia
Photinia is well known for its colourful new growth. The fresh leaves emerge bright red before turning deep green as they mature, creating a hedge that changes subtly through the seasons.
Viburnum
Viburnums are a versatile hedging option that can suit both formal and informal garden styles. They grow quickly and produce dense foliage, making them excellent for creating privacy screens or wind protection.
Murraya Sweet Privacy
Murraya Sweet Privacy is a favourite hedge for those who enjoy a bit of fragrance in the garden. Its glossy green leaves form a dense, tidy hedge, and the plant produces clusters of small white flowers with a beautiful citrus-like scent several times a year.
What makes a hedge successful?
- Regular pruning: Encourages denser growth and keeps the hedge from becoming ‘leggy’.
- Deep watering during establishment: Helps roots grow down rather than out, improving drought tolerance.
- Even spacing: Ensures plants can grow into one another without overcrowding.
- Good soil preparation: Improves long-term growth and reduces maintenance.
- Mulching: Helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
