Hedging Plants
- Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’ is a vigorous, evergreen small tree native to Australia. Its long, narrow green leaves decorate slightly pendulous branches, creating a graceful form in the garden. Furthermore, masses of red, fluffy, bottlebrush flowers with golden anthers bloom in spring and autumn. These vibrant flowers provide abundant nectar, attracting bees and birds while adding seasonal colour. In addition, this hardy tree tolerates poor dry soils once established, as well as clay, coastal, and windy conditions. However, avoid wet or poorly drained sites. Best grown in full sun, it reaches approximately 3m high and 2m wide if left untrimmed but trimmed also makes an excellent screen or hedge.
- Callistemon ‘Red Cluster’ is an evergreen, vigorous shrub native to Australia. Its upright branches carry short, narrow, stiff dark green leaves that first emerge with a silvery-pink hue, adding seasonal interest. Moreover, masses of striking red bottlebrush flowers with golden anthers appear in spring and autumn. These blooms provide nectar for bees and birds, making the shrub both decorative and wildlife-friendly. In addition, this hardy plant tolerates poor dry soils once established, as well as clay, coastal, and windy conditions. However, avoid wet or poorly drained sites. Trim after flowering to encourage bushiness, or shape easily for hedging. At maturity, it grows to approximately 3m high and 2m wide..
- Camellia hybrid ‘Nicky Crisp’ is a slower-growing, compact shrub with dense foliage and deep green leaves. Its neat form makes it an attractive choice for structured plantings. In addition, small pale pink semi-double flowers with bright yellow stamens appear for 5–6 weeks during winter. These blooms add soft colour and seasonal interest to the garden. Moreover, this camellia thrives in full sun or dappled shade when planted in well-drained acidic soil. Prune after flowering to encourage bushiness. It makes an outstanding hedge or border, especially in smaller gardens, and can reach up to 2m if left untrimmed.
- Camellia japonica ‘Kramers Supreme’ features glowing red flowers are peony form with mixed petals and petaloides in full rounded forms. Mid-late season Fragrant. Vigorous compact growth. Japonica camellias make an excellent hedge but are also useful as a stand alone small tree in the garden. Plant in full sun or dappled shade in well drained acidic soil. Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth. Can also be allowed to grow on to form a larger screen.
- Camellia japonica ‘Red Red Rose’ is an evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage. New growth shows attractive salmon tips, adding seasonal interest. In early summer, rich red, formal double blooms create a striking display that brightens the garden. Moreover, Japonica camellias are versatile. They make excellent hedges, yet they also shine as stand-alone small trees. Plant them in full sun or shaded areas, ensuring well-drained acidic soil for best results. After flowering, prune to encourage bushy growth. Alternatively, allow the plant to develop into a larger screen. In addition, this camellia can be planted in larger pots and also suits topiary work, offering flexibility for different garden designs
- Camellia japonica ‘Roger Hall’ is an evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage. In early summer, bright red, small to medium, formal double flowers create a striking display that brightens the garden. Moreover, Japonica camellias are versatile. They make excellent hedges, yet they also shine as stand-alone small trees. Plant them in full sun or shaded areas, ensuring well-drained acidic soil for best results. After flowering, prune to encourage bushy growth. Alternatively, allow the plant to develop into a larger screen. In addition, this camellia can be planted in larger pots and also suits topiary work, offering flexibility for different garden designs.
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ is among the most popular flowering camellias. This moderately fast-growing upright shrub showcases white blooms from autumn through winter. Each flower features a ruffled edge, a bright cluster of golden stamens at the centre, and a delightful fragrance that enhances the garden. In addition to its flowers, the shrub offers dense, glossy green foliage. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be grown as a striking standalone specimen or shaped as a topiary. Although camellias originate from China, cultivars like ‘Setsugeka’ are now bred worldwide. As a result, they are admired for their ornamental appeal and adaptability, making them suitable for diverse garden styles and climates. For best results, position this plant in full sun or dappled shade. To ensure healthy growth, place it in well-draining, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Moreover, pruning after flowering promotes bushier and more compact growth. Typically, this variety grows to around 2.5m tall and 2.0m wide; however, it can be allowed to expand further, creating an effective screen in the garden
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Early Pearly’ is a moderately fast-growing upright shrub that adds seasonal colour to the garden. Beginning in autumn and continuing through winter, it showcases small, formal double blooms with a soft blush of pink and a subtle fragrance. In addition to its flowers, the plant features dense, glossy green foliage—making it an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be grown as a striking standalone specimen. Although camellias originate from China, cultivars like ‘Early Pearly’ are now bred globally for their ornamental appeal and adaptability. For best results, plant in full sun or dappled shade in moist, well-drained acidic soil. After flowering, pruning will encourage bushier, more compact growth. Typically, this variety reaches approximately 2.0m tall by 1.5m wide; however, it can be allowed to grow larger to form an effective screen
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Paradise Helen’ is a moderately fast-growing upright shrub. In autumn and continuing into winter, it showcases masses of pink buds that open into dazzling double white flowers with bright yellow stamens, creating a striking seasonal display. In addition to its blooms, the shrub features dense, glossy green foliage. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be grown as a bold standalone specimen. ‘Paradise Helen’ is an Australian-bred cultivar of the Camellia sasanqua species, which is native to China and Japan. It was developed by Paradise Plants, highlighting its strong ornamental appeal and adaptability. For best results, plant in full sun or dappled shade in moist, well-drained acidic soil. Furthermore, pruning after flowering encourages bushier, more compact growth. Typically, this variety reaches about 2.5m tall by 2.0m wide, yet it can grow larger to form an effective screen
- Camellia sasanqua ‘Silver Dollar’ is a compact evergreen shrub that grows smaller in size yet makes a big impact. From autumn into winter, it produces pure white, ruffled double flowers of medium size, adding elegance to the garden. In addition to its blooms, the shrub displays dense, glossy green foliage. Consequently, it is an excellent choice for hedging at various heights. It responds well to trimming and, alternatively, can be shaped into topiaries or grown as a striking specimen. Although camellias originate from China, cultivars like ‘Silver Dollar’ are now bred worldwide. As a result, they are valued for their ornamental appeal and adaptability across different climates and garden styles. For best results, plant in full sun or dappled shade in moist, well-drained acidic soil. Furthermore, pruning after flowering encourages bushier, more compact growth. Typically, this variety reaches around 2.0m tall by 1.5m wide, yet it can grow larger to form an effective screen.
- Carpinus betulus, commonly known as Hornbeam, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, admired for its versatility and elegant form. Its pale grey, short, and slightly twisted trunk adds character, making it a standout in both formal and natural landscapes. Widely favoured for hedging, Hornbeam’s branches can be easily intertwined and trimmed to form dense screens, shelters, or low hedges. It can also be pleached to create structured, architectural lines—ideal for garden borders or avenues. The tree features oval, ribbed green leaves that transform in autumn with vibrant shades of yellow and orange, eventually turning brown and remaining on the tree well into winter, offering seasonal interest. Hornbeam prefers moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to regular pruning. While it can grow to approximately 12 metres tall and 7 metres wide, it responds beautifully to shaping and can be maintained at a desired height.
- Corokia virgata ‘Geenty’s Green’ is a compact, bushy shrub native to New Zealand, celebrated for its vibrant green foliage and star-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. These are followed by small dark red berries that attract native birds, adding seasonal interest and biodiversity to your garden. Ideal for hedging, this versatile plant trims neatly into a tidy shape, ideal for low hedges or borders in larger or smaller gardens. It can be left to grow naturally into a larger screen as well. Once established, it thrives in exposed coastal, windy or dry conditions, making it a resilient choice for challenging sites. Mature plants reach approximately 2 metres high by 1.2 metres wide. Named in honour of New Zealand plantsman and Corokia enthusiast Mike Geenty, this cultivar has the Latin virgata, meaning “twiggy”—a reference to its fine branching structure.
- Corynocarpus laevigatus ‘Minima’ – Karaka, is a compact male form of the New Zealand native Karaka tree. Its glossy green leaves resemble the standard Karaka but are noticeably smaller, creating a lush, tropical look. As a male cultivar, it rarely produces fruit or seed. This makes it a tidy choice for urban gardens or formal landscapes where minimal litter is preferred. Thriving in full sun, it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It also tolerates coastal conditions and wind, making it highly versatile. With its dense branching and slower growth, ‘Minima’ is ideal for hedging, screening, or shaping into a privacy barrier.Interestingly, the species name laevigatus means “smooth” in Latin, referring to the texture of its foliage. In eight years, it typically reaches around 4.5 x 3.0 metres.
- Dodonaea viscosa also known as Ake Ake, is a small, spreading evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its long, leathery light green leaves bring a fresh, vibrant look to any landscape. In summer, it produces unusual yellow-green papery flower clusters, adding seasonal interest. Once established, Ake Ake is highly tolerant of dry, sandy or rocky soils, salt spray, wind, and drought, but prefers a moist well drained soil. This hardy tree thrives in full sun and is ideal for exposed or coastal sites. It works beautifully as a windbreak or privacy screen in tough conditions. To maintain a dense, bushy form, regular trimming is recommended. Typically, it grows to around 3.5 metres high and 2 metres wide.
- Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ – Purple Akeake is a tough, upright native New Zealand tree with bold, glossy purple-red foliage that deepens in colour during the cooler months. In summer, it puts on a show with unusual light red to purple papery flower clusters that add a rugged splash of contrast. Over time, Purple Akeake spreads out, making it a good choice for privacy screening or adding colour into compact garden spaces. It handles a wide range of soil types, salt spray, wind, and drought once established—but thrives best in moist, well-drained soil. Trim regularly to maintain a dense, bushy form. The name viscosa refers to the sticky texture of its seeds. Grows to approximately 3.5m high x 2.0m wide.
- Feijoa sellowiana – Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a smaller, fast-growing, evergreen tree with a compact, rounded shape. Its stout, leathery green leaves give it a lush, tropical appearance, ideal for adding texture to garden spaces. Native to South America, Feijoa is among the hardiest subtropical fruit trees. It tolerates light frost and produces abundant fruit from April to June, which drops easily when ripe. Sellowiana is the parent species of many popular grafted and cutting-grown cultivars. It thrives in full sun and prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Typically reaching around 4 x 3 metres tall they are easily trimmed to shape and make an excellent hedge, screen or stand-alone fruit tree. Ideal for a smaller garden.
- Ficus benjamina ‘Danielle’ is a well-loved indoor plant, yet it also flourishes outdoors in warmer climates. Native to South East Asia and Australia, its compact, bushy form and glossy dark green leaves bring a lush, tropical feel to any garden. This variety thrives in a sheltered position with bright, indirect light. For best results, plant in evenly moist, well-draining soil and protect from harsh conditions. It trims easily, making it perfect for creating neat, green hedges or shaped screens in smaller spaces. Indoors, its height varies depending on the container, often reaching up to 2.5 metres. Outdoors, it can grow to around 4 metres and responds well to regular pruning to maintain its form.
- Ficus hillii – Hills Weeping Fig is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to Australia. Its lush lime green leaves and drooping branches create a soft, tropical feel, perfect for adding greenery to compact garden spaces. Thriving in full sun, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to a variety of planting styles. It’s ideal for small gardens, either as a hedge or trimmed into a larger screen. This versatile fig is also suitable for pleached hedges and can be trained as a standard in your favourite pot for a formal look. Typically, it grows to around 6 metres tall and 3 metres wide, making it a practical and attractive choice for structured planting.
- Ficus Tuffi is a compact, upright shrub known for its dense growth and vibrant emerald green foliage. Native to Australia, it’s a standout choice for creating smart, formal hedges thanks to its easy-to-trim nature and minimal leaf drop—making it especially ideal around pools. This versatile plant pairs beautifully in layered hedging alongside Buxus or other small shrubs to maintain a polished, structured look. It also lends itself well to topiary work, whether planted directly in the garden or styled in pots for a refined touch. Ficus Tuffi performs best in moist, well-drained soil, flourishes in full sun to partial shade, and is resilient to coastal conditions though not in direct salt spray. Reaching approximately 4 metres tall and 2.5 metres wide, it can also be used as a larger screen. Standards have a clear trunk and are bushy on top. As a group planted together they create a hedge or screen "on stilts" and are called a "pleached hedge".
- A bold and fast-growing native of New Zealand, Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint' or Kapuka, is a robust shrub or small tree—an impressive variety of littoralis. Its light mint-green leaves are glossy with a wavy edge that adds texture and strength to any landscape. Moreover, this versatile plant is easily clipped into a tidy smaller garden hedge or, if preferred, allowed to grow into a larger, structured screen. Not only does it thrive in coastal conditions, but it also stands up well to strong winds and frosts—making it a reliable choice for exposed sites. For best results, ensure good drainage. Ultimately, it reaches approximately 3.0 x 3.0 meters in size, offering both presence and practicality. Interestingly, the Latin word littoralis translates to “growing by the sea,” a fitting nod to its coastal resilience.
