Hedging Plants
- Syzygium ‘Resilience’, a highly psyllid-resistant Lilly Pilly now available in New Zealand, thanks to Black Bridge Nurseries. This exceptional cultivar, originally from Australia, has been specially selected and propagated to combat the damage caused by the troublesome psyllid insect. Like other Lilly Pilly varieties, ‘Resilience’ forms a lush, compact shrub with vibrant mid-green foliage. In spring, its fresh growth flushes red tones, adding seasonal colour and visual interest to the garden. In summer, ‘Resilience’ bursts into bloom with masses of fluffy white flowers, followed by vibrant red berries that attract birds. It’s faster growing than traditional varieties, with a stronger, straighter central leader and a more robust root system. It also performs well in shaded areas, making it a versatile choice for many garden settings. Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, this hardy shrub can reach approximately 7m high by 3m wide but responds well to trimming making it ideal for hedging, screening, and topiary. Syzygium ‘Resilience’ is a standout performer in any landscape. 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".
- 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".
- Ilex ‘Largo’ Holly is a slower-growing, upright shrub with dense, bushy form. Its dark green oval leaves, developed in New Zealand, stand out because they have smooth edges, unlike the classic Holly. Moreover, this versatile shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soil and grows happily in full sun or partial shade. It performs beautifully as a border or hedge, and thanks to its compact size, it fits perfectly into smaller gardens. In addition, Ilex ‘Largo’ adapts well to coastal environments and can be shaped into elegant topiary. At maturity, it reaches approximately 3.5m high and 2.5m wide, making it both practical and decorative.
- 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
- Olea europaea ‘El Greco’ – Greek Olive is a compact evergreen olive known for its small green leaves and dense, tidy habit. Often used as a hedging olive, it may produce some fruit if left untrimmed, although this is not typical. This variety prefers moist, well‑drained soil but tolerates dry periods once established. Since it originates from the Mediterranean, it thrives in full sun and copes well with wind and coastal conditions. Because of its naturally dense, bushy form, ‘El Greco’ easily trims into neat low or tall hedges, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It grows to approximately 3 × 2 metres.
- Pittosporum eugenioides – Lemonwood, also known as Tatara, is a moderately fast-growing evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It naturally forms a bushy, pyramidal shape, making it a striking addition to any landscape. Its large green leaves release a refreshing lemon scent when crushed. In spring, clusters of small white-cream flowers bloom with a fragrant aroma. These are followed by black seed capsules that attract native and seed-loving birds. This tree thrives in full sun and prefers free-draining soil. Once established, it tolerates moderately windy conditions. Ideal for medium sized hedging or larger screening, Lemonwood responds beautifully to trimming. It typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, offering both height and density.
- Prunus lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel, is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree with dark, glossy green oval leaves. Native to Western Europe, including regions of France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, it brings both structure and elegance to garden landscapes. In late spring to summer, it produces white flowers with a subtle hawthorn-like scent, arranged in long, slender racemes. These are soon followed by small fruits, adding further seasonal interest. Moreover, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils, though it will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it’s best planted in a sunny, sheltered position to ensure healthy growth. Thanks to its dense foliage and upright habit, Portuguese Laurel is excellent for trimming into formal hedges or shaping into a clipped screen. Additionally, it can be trained as a pleached hedge or sculpted into topiary forms, offering flexibility for both traditional and contemporary garden designs. Typically growing to approximately 5 x 4 metres, it makes a bold yet refined statement in any outdoor space. The name lusitanica refers to Lusitania, the ancient Roman name for Portugal, highlighting its rich heritage.
- Podocarpus totara ‘Matapouri Blue’ – Blue Totara is a distinctive New Zealand native Totara with a more upright, open pyramidal form. Its striking blue-grey, needle-like foliage adds unique colour and texture to any landscape. This slow-growing evergreen prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It’s hardy and adaptable, making it suitable for a range of garden styles and conditions. Ideal as a specimen tree, it can also be trimmed into a hedge or left to grow as a natural screen. Its elegant structure offers year-round interest. In optimal conditions, Blue Totara can reach approximately 7 x 5 metres at maturity.
- Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a smaller evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It forms a rounded shape with smooth, dark green, pointed leathery leaves, creating an attractive and compact appearance. This variety is highly useful for hedging and screening. Small purple flowers, lightly scented and most fragrant in the quiet of early morning or evening, produce seed that attracts small feeding birds. Originating from a windy island in the Cook Strait, it is well-suited to exposed coastal gardens. Moreover, it can withstand salt spray and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Growing to approximately 4 x 2 metres, Pittosporum ‘Stephen’s Island’ makes an excellent smaller hedge. When kept trimmed, it maintains bushiness and provides year-round structure and greenery.
- 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.
- Olea europaea ‘Ascolano’ is a rounded, moderately fast-growing evergreen with a bushy habit. It features silvery-green, leathery leaves and strong, rigid branches. This variety is well known for producing large, mild table olives, making it both ornamental and productive. Ascolano is suitable for hedging or screening and can also be left to grow as a specimen tree. When mature, it reaches approximately 6 x 3 metres, offering structure and beauty in the landscape. Originating from the Marche and Tuscany regions of Italy, Ascolano thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates wind, coastal conditions, and dry spells, making it a hardy and versatile choice for gardens.
- Michelia ‘Gracipes’ is a compact, evergreen tree with a rounded form, making it ideal for smaller gardens. Its dark, olive-green leaves feature a distinctive brown felt underside, adding subtle texture and year-round interest. From late winter into early spring, this wonderful tree produces small, round, perfumed cream flowers with prominent stamens. These blooms emerge from furry brown buds, creating a charming and fragrant display. For best results, plant in moist, well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. While it is slow-growing, it responds well to trimming and can be shaped into a hedge or left to grow on showcased as a specimen tree. Interestingly, Michelia ‘Gracipes’ was bred and developed in New Zealand. Although its lineage may include Chinese species such as Michelia yunnanensis, this particular cultivar is proudly of New Zealand origin. It prefers protection from strong winds so it’s well-suited to sheltered urban gardens. Reaching approximately 4 x 3 metres at maturity, it offers compact beauty and refined structure.
- Port Wine Magnolia - Michelia figo is a slow-growing, compact shrub that features a rounded shape and vibrant lime-green foliage. In early spring, it bursts into bloom with masses of small, cream-colored flowers streaked with purple, which release a rich fragrance. As a result, it becomes a standout feature in any garden. Depending on light conditions, the shrub’s form can vary. When grown in shade, it tends to develop a looser, more open structure. Conversely, plants grown in full sun are typically more compact and display denser foliage. Moreover, it thrives in humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, making it adaptable to a range of garden environments. Whether planted in sun or shade, Port Wine Magnolia performs beautifully. It can be trimmed into a neat, low hedge, allowed to grow as a striking standalone specimen, or placed in a large decorative pot for added versatility. Originating from Western China, this elegant shrub typically reaches up to 3 metres tall and 2.5 metres wide.
- Laurus nobilis – Bay Laurel is a compact evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. Its dark green, leathery leaves are highly aromatic and widely valued for culinary use. In spring, small yellow flowers appear, followed by clusters of dark berries that add seasonal interest. Bay Laurel can be easily trimmed to shape, making it ideal as a screen or hedge. Moreover, it performs beautifully as a standard or ornamental tree, offering versatility in both formal and informal garden designs. This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil, yet it will tolerate drier conditions once established. In addition, it withstands coastal and windy aspects, making it a resilient choice for challenging sites. Mature specimens typically reach around 5 metres high and 3 metres wide. Interestingly, the name nobilis reflects its impressive quality and noble reputation.
- Pseudopanax lessonii ‘Purpurea’ is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. Multi-branched and compact, it features fleshy, palmate leaves in striking dark purple-red tones with three to five leaflets. From December to February, small green flowers appear, followed by dark purple fleshy fruit. These fruits attract birds, adding seasonal interest and wildlife appeal to the garden. This variety prefers moist, well-drained soil but will not tolerate waterlogging. For the best colour, plant in full sun where its foliage shines most vividly. ‘Purpurea’ can be left to grow as a small shade tree. Alternatively, it trims well into a compact hedge or can be clipped to form a larger bushy screen, offering flexibility in garden design. Ideal for coastal gardens, it withstands salt-laden winds and thrives in exposed conditions. Growing to approximately 4 x 2.5 metres, it provides structure, colour, and resilience year-round.
- 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.
- Pittosporum crassifolium - Karo is a compact, evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its bushy form and leathery dark green leaves, felted underneath, give it a lush appearance. In spring, it produces sweetly scented purple flowers, especially fragrant during calm mornings or evenings. After flowering, it forms seed capsules that attract and feed native and other small birds. Karo is easily trimmed into a tidy hedge or left to grow as a hardy screen, either trimmed or natural. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions, coastal exposure, and strong winds—making it ideal for challenging sites. This very hardy tree typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, making it ideal for gardens needing structure and resilience.
- 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.
- Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Dense Fence’ is an evergreen shrub bred to create fast-growing, dense hedges. As a result, it provides excellent screening and privacy in gardens or landscapes. Its glossy, dark green leaves emerge with a striking red flush, while clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in spring. Consequently, the shrub offers year-round interest with minimal pruning required to maintain a tidy hedge. This hardy plant prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Moreover, once established, it tolerates light frost and grows to approximately 3 x 2 metres. Interestingly, the epithet odoratissimum comes from Latin, meaning “very fragrant” or “most fragrant,” perfectly reflecting its delightful spring bloom
- Flower Fragrant? Yes
- Tupidanthus calyptratus - Mallet Flower, is a fast-growing tropical evergreen that adds lush vibrancy to any garden. Its glossy, bright green palmate leaves droop gracefully, creating a soft, weeping effect. In spring and summer, green buds emerge and bloom into tiny white flowers. These sit atop structures resembling small mallets—hence the name “Mallet Flower” and its botanical title, "calyptratus". Mallet Flower thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun. It typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide, is easily trimmed to shape and height, making it ideal for tropical landscaping.
