Hedging Care And Advice | From The Plant Experts (2024)

Caring For Hedges

The most critical element often missed is to protect the plants from wind. The Plant Company generally stakes young plants to avoid them being blown over or broken.

Weed control is vital. Therefore, mulch should be applied at outlined in our article, How To Mulch Around A Hedge. Hand weeding is also effective if you have the time.

Fertiliser is also essential. Too often The Plant Company sees hedges that are weak and looking sparse because the plants are short on nutrition. Our articles at, Fertiliser For Hedges, provides advice on the best way to go about this task.

Trimming the hedge during early spring and late summer is key to achieving a dense hedge. Our articles under How to trim a hedge, provide great insight into how to grow amazing hedges.

Finally, the plants should be checked for pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking a little bit unusual, refer to our articles under Hedge Issues And Troubleshooting.

Weed control is vital. Therefore, mulch should be applied at outlined in our article, How To Mulch Around A Hedge. Hand weeding is also effective if you have the time.

Fertiliser is also essential. Too often The Plant Company sees hedges that are weak and looking sparse because the plants are short on nutrition. Our articles at, Fertiliser For Hedges, provides advice on the best way to go about this task.

Trimming the hedge during early spring and late summer is key to achieving a dense hedge. Our articles under How to trim a hedge, provide great insight into how to grow amazing hedges.

Finally, the plants should be checked for pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking a little bit unusual, refer to our articles under Hedge Issues And Troubleshooting.

Choosing The Right Hedge Plant

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

Getting the right hedging plant can be a challenge. To solve this problem, The Plant Company has produced a suite of articles on hedging and the articles in finding the right hedge variety should make the job a lot easier. Further, we have a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The fastest growing NZ native hedges are: Melicope ternata, Pittosporum crassifolium, Myoporum laetum, and Pittosporum eugeniodies. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular fast growing screening plants are: Pittosporum eugeniodies, Syzygium Resilience, Bamboo, and Pittosporum crassifolium. The Plant Company has a range of screening options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them so you can mix and match as you choose.

Camellia Setsugekka, Gardenia Professor Pucci, and Escallonia Snowbud are the most popular plants for white garden hedges. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The common hedge plants for coastal areas are Griselinia, Corokia, and Coprosma. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular border hedges are: Buxus, Lonicera nitida, and Euonymus. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

Where a larger hedge is required, The Plant Company will use Willows or Poplars. These species have the advantage of tolerating heavier soils than Coprosma and Corokia. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

Where a larger hedge is required, The Plant Company will use Willows or Poplars. These species have the advantage of tolerating wetter soils than Coprosma and Corokia. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular hedges for pools are: Ficus Tuffy, Buxus, Escallonia, Thuja Smaragd, and Syzygium Resilience. Pleached hedges are commonly created using Titoki and Syzygium Resilience. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular low growing hedges are: Buxus, Lonicera nitida, and Euonymus. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular mid-sized hedges are: Abelias, Choisya, Escallonia, Ficus Tuffy, Griselinia, Photinia, and Viburnum. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The best foliage hedges tend to have lush foliage and colourful foliage. The Plant Company considers Syzygium Resilience, Ficus Tuffy, Viburnum Hedgemaster, and Photinia to be the best.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The best foliage hedges are Syzygium Resilience, Ficus Tuffy, Viburnum Hedgemaster, Griselinia Broadway Mint, and Griselinia Broadway Mint.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular NZ native hedges for pools are: Corokia, Griselinia, Coprosma, and Titoki. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular NZ native hedges are: Griselinia Broadway Mint, Pittosporum Stephens Island, Pittosporum crassifolium, Purple Ake Ake, and Corokia Geenty’s Green. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular hedges for screening are: Titoki, Syzygium Resilience, Portuguese Laurels, Thuja Smaragd, and Bay Trees. Pittosporums can also be used but tend to be less common than the earlier options. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The most popular tall hedges are: Titoki, Syzygium Resilience, Portuguese Laurels, Bay Trees, and Pittosporums. Very tall hedges are Cupressus Ovensii and Cupressus Leighton's Green which will increase in height at about 1m per year. The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

Fertiliser For Hedges

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if Shrub Fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if Native Fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

Growing A Hedge

Some general guides for hedge spacing are:

Border hedges such as Buxus, Lonicera nitida, and Euonymus should be spaced at 15-20 cm apart.

Medium-sized hedges such as: Abelias, Choisya, Escallonia, Ficus Tuffy, Griselinia, Photinia, and Viburnum should be spaced 40 cm apart.

With these spacings the plants will close in quickly and also push each other upwards as they compete for light. The result is a fabulous hedge every time. You can go out to wider spacings if the budget is tight but that will often result in a gap at the bottom between plants which is hard to fill. The gap results from the natural vase shape with which these plants grow. In this situation opt for smaller grade sizes and plant more of them rather than going with bigger plants as this will make the money go further and produce a better result in the longer term.

If you purchase plants in 25L bags (or bigger) which are lush to the height of the roots, you can space these 75 cm apart (and wider) without issue. These grades have generally been manicured to ensure they are bushy to the base and will therefore branch and fill in more easily.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

1. Buy bigger sized plants as discussed in, What To Consider When Buying Hedge Plants.

2. Space the plants closely so they push each up, as highlighted in How Far Apart To Plant A Hedge.

3. Plant the hedge plants into well-drained soil that has been loaded with organic matter.

4. Stake the plants so they are not impacted or damaged by wind.

5. Fertilise the plants correctly as discussed in Fertiliser For Hedges.

6. Water the plants during dry periods

7. Finally, don’t trim the hedge too aggressively. Our articles in How To Trim A Hedge provide great advice on this subject.

If you follow this advice, your hedge will thrive!

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

Compost is not considered an effective mulch as weeds germinate easily and it is only short lasting. It is, however, a very good method of adding organic matter to the soil and should be applied before the mulch is put down.

Remove each plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter Shrub Fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

Growing Small Hedge Plants In NZ

Growing a little hedge around a pool, alongside a path, to create formality, or to frame a garden can really transform a space. Even across the front of a property, the desire is generally for a hedge growing no more than 1-1.5 m tall. However, choosing a plant that stops growing at 1 m tall just doesn’t happen. Rather, if a hedge 1 m tall is desired, we select plants that are going to grow taller than this, knowing that they will be trimmed to the 1 m height. Therefore, a plant that grows to 3 m tall in its natural environment can still be planted as a hedge as it would be kept at 1 m through regular trimming. This leaves the door wide open for an array of hedge plants. The articles in our series provide expert advice from both experienced gardeners and our nursery staff so you can get the results you’re wanting.

Corokia Hedge

Corokia are New Zealand native shrubs that come in a range of varieties, with bright green, silver, and even chocolate foliage. They are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and can be kept anywhere between 50 cm and 2 m tall.

The most popular varieties of Corokia for hedging include:

• Corokia Geenty’s Green

• Corokia Frosted Chocolate

• Corokia Geenty’s Ghost

• Corokia Bronze King

When planting a Corokia hedge, space the plants 40-50 cm apart. They naturally grow with a narrow and upright habit, hence whey they are planted closely so they fill in and merge at the base to form a uniform hedge.

Coprosma Hedge

Coprosmas are another popular NZ native hedge plant and feature small and glossy leaves. They are quick-growing and need regular trimming, but are tolerant of most soil types including clay soils. They can be kept at heights between 40 cm and 1.5 m tall.

The most popular varieties of Coprosma for hedging include:

• Coprosma repens

• Coprosma Middlemore

• Coprosma Portwine

When planting a Coprosma hedge, the plant spacing is 50-60 cm apart. They naturally grow with a broad and upright habit, hence whey they can be spaced a little more widely than other species, and they will still fill in and merge at the base to form a dense and even hedge.

Hebe Hedge

Hebes are a popular NZ native plant that are often used for hedging owing to their glossy leaves, dense foliage, and pretty flowers. They are quick-growing and can tolerate most soil types provided they are free-draining. They can be kept at heights between 30 cm and 1 m tall, depending on the variety.

The most popular varieties of Hebes for hedging include:

• Hebe Waireka

• Hebe diosmifolia

• Hebe Wiri Mist

• Hebe buxifolia

When planting a Hebe hedge, space the plants 40-50 cm apart. They naturally grow with a broad and upright habit, and they will fill in nicely at the base with this spacing.

Hedge Issues And Troubleshooting

Borer Beetles usually cause weakening and ultimate death of the stem. Holes through the insides of the stems are a tell-tale sign. To control this pest the stems can be cut and painted with an insecticidal paint. The Plant Company recommends cutting stems back to below any of the boring and then applying wound paint.

On dense bushes the internal leaves will often yellow before being shed. This is due to a lack of light and is normal. On the other hand, when plants that have been grown in the shade or very low light conditions, then suddenly exposed to full sun, they can become bleached. In this instance, the sun has damaged some of the leaf pigments. The good news is the plant will survive, but it will look terrible for a time.

Pests sucking on the leaves can cause a yellowing but this is often mottled and varied across the plant. The article, Hedge Pests, discusses these and their control.

Root rot disease is the most common. The leaves will wilt even when there is plenty of moisture in the soil. The article, Why Is My Hedge Dying? gives further detail on this subject.

Buxus Blight affects only Buxus and is common with this species.

Fertiliser placed in the bottom of the hole at planting. Doing this can draw moisture away from the roots and cause root burning. The best solution here is to generously water the plant every day. See the article, Best Fertiliser For Hedges, for more information.

Wrong fertiliser or too much fertiliser applied. Killing plants with kindness is very common. The best solution here is to generously water the plant every day and flush the soil with water repeatedly. See the article, Best Fertiliser For Hedges, for more information.

Herbicide misadventure. Spraying too close with glyphosate is quite common and plant death is often imminent.

Plants have not been watered or watered too infrequently. See the articles on Watering Hedges, for more information.

Pest infestation. You will see this as small insects on the plant and often has the tell-tale signs of sooty mould. A general insecticide can be used for their control. Please always read the label before using any agrichemical.

Planting on clay soils with extremely poor drainage. If water cannot escape from the holes the plants are in, the plants can drown and succumb to root rot. Drainage must be addressed to resolve this issue.

Excessive shade – most hedges require good amounts of sunlight or large amounts of dappled light to grow well. If you think this is an issue, simply move the plant to a spot with better light. Do not move it into direct sunlight from heavy shade as this can also damage the plant. Rather, transition the plant to the brighter light by placing it is semi-shade for a week first.

Often the disease will start to show several weeks after a prolonged rain event. It can also occur when plants are regularly over-watered, or planted in soils that are poorly drained or that hold too much moisture (e.g., clay soils). Therefore, good drainage is essential and sites where drainage is poor should be avoided. The article, Fixing Poor Drainage On A Clay Soil gives good advice on how to correct drainage.

Treatment for Phytophthora can be a hit and miss exercise as there are no silver bullets. However, if picked up early, The Plant Company has experienced some success using Transformer. Transformer has fungicidal properties and when used as a soil drench 2-3 times, plants can sometimes recover. However, if the plant is too far gone, The Plant Company recommends removing the plant entirely, and using Transformer as a soil drench before putting in a new plant. Of course, the drainage or watering issues will need to be addressed so the problem does not manifest again.

Often the disease will start to show several weeks after a prolonged rain event. It can also occur when plants are regularly over-watered, or planted in soils that are poorly drained or that hold too much moisture (e.g., clay soils). Therefore, good drainage is essential and sites where drainage is poor should be avoided. The article, Fixing Poor Drainage On A Clay Soil gives good advice on how to correct drainage.

Treatment for Phytophthora can be a hit and miss exercise as there are no silver bullets. However, if picked up early, The Plant Company has experienced some success using Transformer. Transformer has fungicidal properties and when used as a soil drench 2-3 times, plants can sometimes recover. However, if the plant is too far gone, The Plant Company recommends removing the plant entirely, and using Transformer as a soil drench before putting in a new plant. Of course, the drainage or watering issues will need to be addressed so the problem does not manifest again.

Hedge Plants NZ

This series of articles looks at several of the more popular hedging plants grown in NZ gardens. New Zealand boasts a diverse range of hedge plants, each with unique characteristics and suited for various purposes. Some of these are native to NZ and other exotic, but each serves a specific purpose and has its own specific needs.

Ficus Tuffi can grow to 3 metres tall and 2.5 meters wide, but is easily maintained as a hedge anywhere from 1-2.5 m tall and 1-2 m wide. It can grow in full sun or partial shade but must have a well-draining soil and not be exposed to heavy frost. Even a moderate frost can cause the leaves to blacken.

The key things to know for a Ficus Tuffy hedge are how far apart should the plants be spaced and when to start trimming them. While there is a host of other information that you may wish to know about growing and caring for them, we have that covered in our suite of expert advice articles about Ficus Tuffy. They are well worth the read and have been prepared by industry experts.

Ficus Tuffi Hedge spacing

The ideal spacing for Ficus Tuffi plants that are about 30 cm tall when purchased is 40-50 cm apart. With this spacing the plants will compete with each other and push each other upwards as they compete for light. At the same time, they will fill out nicely at the base so you are not left with an annoying gap between the plants. You can space plants wider but that will have two effects. The first is the hedge will take longer to fill in and you may end up with a gap at the bottom of the hedge between the plants that often bothers people. For the sake of 1-3 extra plants, go with the recommended spacing to avoid future headaches!

If you have purchased large and bushy plants, these can be spaced up to 1 m apart as often they are already 60 cm wide with dense foliage already. Check with The Plant Company if you are in doubt here.

When To Start Trimming Ficus Tuffi Hedge

A key attribute of Ficus Tuffi is its ability to regrow after trimming. Even with a hard trim, it will generally sprout new shoots and grow away again. While this is usually a last resort, it does afford confidence that even if you get the trimming wrong, they will recover!

The Plant Company recommends starting to trim Ficus Tuffi once they start actively growing in their new position. This simply involves clipping off the very tips of the branches. Doing this will enable buds further down the branch to sprout, so a bushier plant results. Continuing to do this every few months for the first year is the secret to a thick and beautiful hedge. It is also a way of growing a slimmer hedge overall that is just as dense. After a year of doing this, you can now start to shape your hedge as desired. Further information on this subject can be found in our expert advice articles, How To Grow A Ficus Tuffy Hedge and How To Trim Ficus Tuffy.

Yes, Ficus Tuffi and Ficus Tuffy are the same plant. There is no inherent difference between the two versions of the name, other than possibly indicating different levels of formality or the specific source of information. So, regardless of whether you see it written as "tuffi" or "Tuffy," you're referring to the same versatile and easy-care plant!

The popularity of Griselinia for hedging is not just the foliage but also because they are also fast growing. An attractive privacy screen can be created in just a few years. Once established, they require minimal watering and infrequent trimming. They can be kept at heights between 75 cm and 2 m tall, depending on the variety. Adding to that, they are NZ native plants that can tolerate wind, salt spray, and a wide range of soil conditions.

The key to an amazing Griselinia hedge is good drainage. They will fail or perform poorly if they are in prolonged wet conditions. If you can get the drainage right, they are pretty much bullet proof! If drainage is an issue, opt for a Corokia or Coprosma hedge.

When planting the hedge, space the Griselinia plants 40-50 cm apart. If you try and go any wider, you will struggle to fill out the bottom of the hedge properly. Also, at this spacing, the plants will push each other upwards, so you end up with a dense hedge faster.

The Plant Company has several Griselinia Varieties and based on our experience the most popular are presented below in order of popularity:

Griselinia Broadway Mint.

Griselinia Broadway Mint features smaller, mint-green leaves that create a softer, more delicate feel compared to the classic Griselinia littoralis. It grows slightly slower and reaches a maximum height of around 3 metres, making it ideal for hedging to sizes ranging from 1-2 m tall.

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald features lush and glossy emerald-green leaves which add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden. It is perfect for hedges 1-2 m tall.

Griselinia littoralis]

Griselinia littoralis features small, green leaves held densely. It grows to a maximum height of around 4 metres, making it ideal for hedging to sizes ranging from 1.5-3 m tall.

Griselinia Canterbury

Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury' boasts a finer texture among the various Griselinia varieties. The smaller smaller, deep green leaves are held on dark stems and create an elegant display. It is perfect for hedges 75 cm to 1.5 m tall.

Griselinia Whenuapai

Griselinia littoralis 'Whenuapai' has dark green, oval-shaped leaves and a naturally more upright growth habit than the other Griselinia varieties. It's perfect for formal hedges and requires less frequent pruning to maintain its shape. It can reach up to 3 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide, and suits hedges 1-2 m tall.

Griselinia Gecko Green

Griselinia 'Gecko Green' is a newer variety of Griselinia and ever increasing in popularity. It features glossy emerald-green leaves that adds a sense of lushness to any garden. It is perfect for hedges 75 cm to 1.5 m tall.

With their combination of beautiful and dense foliage, hardy nature, and ease of care, Griselinia littoralis varieties are a fantastic choice for hedging in NZ gardens.

Griselinia lucida is often grown as an informal Griselinia hedge. That is, it is not trimmed in the same manner as a normal hedge, but more pruned to shape. This is because the large and glossy leaves can look untidy if cut in half which would occur with trimming.

To trim Griselinia lucida, simply cut the stems off to achieve the shape you are wanting. A somewhat “formal” hedge can still be created in this manner if that is the desired outcome, but it will take more time than with other hedges.

Choose the Right Variety Of Lilly Pilly

New Zealand has several Lilly Pilly varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. However, the only one you will want to grow is Syzygium australe 'Resilience'. The reason for such a limited choice is because this variety is resistant to Psyllids, an insect pest that causes the leaves to develop bumps or wart-like blisters. This variety also has wonderful aesthetics, hence why The Plant Company recommends it. Varieties of Lilly Pilly that are not resistant to Psyllids are quickly disappearing from the market.

How to plant a Lilly Pilly Hedge

The most important thing to get right for a [Lilly Pilly hedge] is soil drainage. For the plants to grow well and thrive, the soil must drain freely. On sodden or heavy soils, the plants will struggle and may fall over or die. This is due to a root rot fungus that thrives in cold and wet soils. If the drainage is not easily corrected, consider planting the hedge on a low mound.

The Lilly Pilly plants should be planted into well cultivated soil such that the roots are fully covered. Adding compost or manure to the soil will help improve the soil conditions and enhance fertility but is only really needed if the soil is of poor quality. Once the plants are in the ground, firm them in gently with your foot, then scatter shrub fertiliser across the soil surface. It is important not to put fertiliser in the hole at planting as this can burn the roots. Water the plants well which will also see some of the fertiliser wash through into the roots. The Plant Company recommends staking the plants to reduce the chances of wind damage and to grow a plant with better form. We also recommend applying an organic mulch to the soil surface such as bark. This will suppress weeds and help retain moisture in the soil.

Lilly Pilly Hedge Spacing

The ideal spacing or planting distance for a Lilly Pilly hedge is 40-50 cm apart in NZ. With this spacing the plants will compete for light and push each other upwards in the process. At the same time, they will fill out nicely at the bottom, so you are not left with an annoying gap between the plants. You can space plants wider but that will have two effects. The first is the hedge will take longer to fill in and you may end up with a gap at the bottom of the hedge between the plants that often bothers people. For the sake of 1-3 extra plants, go with the recommended spacing to avoid future headaches! If you have purchased large and bushy Lilly Pilly plants, these can be spaced up to 1 m apart for a hedge as often they are already 60 cm wide with dense foliage already. Check with The Plant Company if you are in doubt here.

How to grow a Lilly Pilly Hedge

It is very easy to grow a Lilly Pilly hedge. Earlier we talked about how to plant a Lilly Pilly hedge and the best plant spacing for a hedge. Next comes the trimming as the general goal is a dense hedge that is not too wide and looks amazing! The way to achieve this is to begin trimming soon after the plants start to grow. The Plant Company recommends pinching out the ends of stems as they start to grow for the first year, so the plants become lush and bushy. It is important to understand that the hedge is generally pruned in winter with about 10-15% of the exterior vegetation removed. The amount removed depends on how much you need to contain the hedge. The best Lilly Pilly hedges are trimmed again during summer. The notion being that the trimming is little and often to keep the plants dense and lush. That said, they still look good with once-a-year trimming. The hedge width can be anywhere from 50 cm to 1.5m. Narrower hedges will require more regular trimming than wider ones, however. Work out the maximum width you want the hedge to grow to before trimming. Trimming is generally 5-10 cm back from that outer width and allowing for a centre of at least 30 cm.

Lonicera nitida is often used for both formal and informal hedges. As a formal hedge, it can be used to define a border, or used to add structure and formality to a garden. It is also often used instead of Buxus sempervirens because it is both faster growing and less susceptible to diseases such as Buxus blight. As an informal hedge, it is often used to provide screening and privacy to a space. In either scenario, it’s rapid growth rate and dense foliage makes it a great option.

The optimum spacing for a Lonicera hedge is generally 20-30 cm apart. With this spacing the plants will compete with each other and push upwards to grab as while competing for light. At the same time, they will fill out nicely at the base so you are not left with an annoying gap between the plants. You can space plants wider but that will have two effects. The first is the hedge will take longer to fill in and you may end up with a gap at the bottom of the hedge between the plants that often bothers people. For the sake of 1-3 extra Lonicera plants, go with the recommended spacing to avoid future headaches! If you have purchased large and bushy Lonicera plants, these can be spaced up to 60-70 cm apart as often they are already 50 cm wide with dense foliage already. Check with The Plant Company if you are in doubt here as we want you to have a hedge your neighbours will envy!

A secret to an amazing Lonicera hedge is fertiliser, even if you have put lots of compost and organic matter into the soil. Lonicera require nitrogen and magnesium for foliage, and good amounts of phosphate for root and new foliage development. The Plant Company has developed a fertiliser for Lonicera hedges (and other trees and shrubs) that will give the plants sustained nutrition for 12-months and it that has everything the plant needs to remain healthy. More importantly, the nutrients don’t get lost past the roots when it rains, so this is more environmentally friendly than most other fertilisers. Our vigorous and healthy plants, as well as those of our clients, proves we have developed the best product. If you want the best feed for your Lonicera hedge, The Plant Company Shrub Fertiliser is the only product you’ll ever need.

Lonicera nitida has a rapid growth rate, making it a popular choice for hedges that need to fill in quickly. It typically grows 40-60 cm per year, and can even grow 1m per year in exceptional conditions. It can reach its full size within 3-5 years. As a hedge, Lonicera nitida is generally trimmed to sizes anywhere between 30 cm and 1.5 m tall.

Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and this is important if you are wanting to grow a narrow and dense hedge. If trimming is left too long, the hedge can become quite broad. Trimming in spring and autumn is perfect. Similarly, using the correct fertiliser is also important for a great hedge and we strongly recommend you use The Plant Company Shrub Fertiliser. It has everything the plants need for 12-months and the plants absolutely thrive with it. If you want you Lonicera to grow faster, ensure you have put down mulch to supress weeds and retain moisture. Also make sure the plants are well-watered during dry periods and as they establish.

There are a number of cultivars of Lonicera nitida and we have listed them below in order of popularity.

Lonicera nitida 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera ‘Honey Hedge Lime’ is a dense, evergreen shrub with small, mid-dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cultivar, reaching a height of 1-2 metres over 10 years.

Lonicera nitida 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

Lonicera ‘Honey Hedge Lime’ is a dense, evergreen shrub with small leaves that are variegated green and yellow. It is a fast-growing cultivar, reaching a height of 1-2 metres over 10 years.

Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold'

Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold' is a compact shrub with golden leaves and white flowers. It is a slow-growing cultivar, reaching a height of 1-1.5 metres over 10 years.

Lonicera nitida 'Elegant'

Lonicera nitida ‘Elegant’ is a narrow, columnar shrub with dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cultivar, reaching a height of 2-3 metres over 10 years.

Lonicera nitida 'Maigrun'

Lonicera 'Maigrun' is a low-growing shrub with bright green leaves. It is a slow-growing cultivar, reaching a height of 0.5-1 metre tall over 10 years.

Lonicera nitida 'Nana'

Lonicera ‘Nana’ is a dwarf shrub with small, dark green leaves. It is a slow-growing cultivar, reaching a height of 0.5-1 metre tall over 10 years.

Lonicera nitida 'Silver Beauty'

Lonicera ‘Silver Beauty’ is a shrub with variegated leaves that are green with a silver margin. It is a reasonably fast-growing cultivar, reaching a height of 1-2 metres in 10 years.

These cultivars are all tolerant of a variety of conditions, including full sun to partial shade, drought, and coastal environments. They are also resistant to most pests and diseases.

If you need any help, feel free to contact us or check out our Lonicera options and the detailed information that accompanies each.

Photinia Red Robin is a stunning choice for hedging. It grows moderately fast and can reach 4 metres in height and 2 metres in width if left untrimmed. As a hedge, it is generally clipped to 1-2 m tall and 1 m wide. Trimming is usually undertaken in late spring and late autumn and this results in a stunning hedge that is both manicured and stimulates new growth.

The most important thing to get right with Photinia in NZ is soil drainage. A well-drained soil is essential, otherwise plants will struggle and often fail. If this is a problem that can’t be solved by either raising up the height of the soil or putting in drainage, better options will be either Corokia or Coprosma.

The ideal spacing or planting distance for a Red Robin hedge is 40-50 cm apart in NZ. With this spacing the plants will compete with each other for light and push each other upwards in the process. At the same time, they will fill out nicely at the base so you are not left with an annoying gap between the plants. You can space plants wider but that will have two effects. The first is the hedge will take longer to fill in and you may end up with a gap at the bottom of the hedge between the plants that often bothers people. For the sake of 1-3 extra plants, go with the recommended spacing to avoid future headaches! If you have purchased large and bushy Red Robin plants, these can be spaced up to 1 m apart for a hedge as often they are already 60 cm wide with dense foliage already. Check with The Plant Company if you are in doubt here.

There are many benefits to growing a Red Robin hedge. Firstly, they create privacy in the form of a dense and colourful screen. This has the added advantage of blocking noise from either traffic or noisy neighbours! The second benefit is they provide year-round interest. The vibrant new growth in spring and red berries in autumn serve to complement the beautiful foliage. Finally, they are low maintenance and relatively easy to care. You can trim them as you little or as often as you like, and they will generally recover well.

The growth rate of Photinia Red Robin can vary depending on several factors, but it's generally considered a medium-fast growing shrub. The average growth rate is about 30-40 cm per year. With exceptional growing conditions, however, they can grow up to 1 m in a year. It typically reaches its full size in 3-5 years. The growth rate will be influenced by the climate, soil quality, and the care it receives. In warmer climates Photinia grow at a faster rate. Similarly, on a well-drained and fertile soil the plants will grow incredibly well and fast. If the plants are watered during dry periods, given an annual dose of fertiliser, and not trimmed too aggressively, they will respond with quicker growth. We recommend you use The Plant Company Shrub Fertiliser as it has everything the plants need for 12-months, and the plants thrive with it.

The most popular Photinia hedge varieties are presented below along with their characteristics:

Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is the most popular Photinia cultivar for hedging in New Zealand. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub with new growth that is a vibrant red colour. Photinia Red Robin can reach a height of 3-5 metres and a width of 2-3 metres at maturity. It makes an amazing hedge and screen at heights anywhere from 1 m to 2.5 m tall.

Photinia 'Super Hedge'

Photinia ‘Super Hedge’ is a new cultivar that is even faster-growing than Red Robin. It can grow 1 m per year and has a dense and compact growth habit. Photinia Super Hedge is ideal for creating tall, formal hedges anywhere from 1.5-3 m tall.

Photinia ‘Super Red’

Photinia 'Super Red' features smaller foliage than ‘Red Robin’ and grows in a similar manner. Photinia Super Red features the same vibrant colours and will grow to 5 m tall and 2.5 m wide if left untrimmed. It makes an amazing hedge and screen at heights anywhere from 1 m to 2.5 m tall.

How To Trim A Hedge

As the hedge is establishing, keep trimming the outer branches lightly. Removing the tips of the branches during this process encourages more branching and a denser hedge overall. It is essential while doing these light trimmings to keep in mind what width you want the hedge to be when fully grown. Given close to 10 cm of growth will be removed at each trimming when it is fully grown (depending on the variety), the light trimming needs to occur inside the maximum width of the hedge by about 20 cm. Only when the hedge thickens should it be taken out to its maximum width.

Trimming typically occurs in early spring and again in late summer with a little and often philosophy. Taking off too much will make the hedge look bare, but it will grow back. To get straight lines better than trimming by eye, you can use a string line after the initial cut is complete. When The Plant Company trims hedges, we will often do a light cut over, then stand back and look along the lines to determine the high points. Good luck!

As the hedge is establishing, keep trimming the outer branches lightly. Removing the tips of the branches during this process encourages more branching and a denser hedge overall. It is essential while doing these light trimmings to keep in mind what width you want the hedge to be when fully grown. Given about 5-10 cm of growth will be removed at each trimming when it is fully grown, the light trimming needs to occur inside the maximum width of the hedge by at least 10-15 cm. Only when the hedge thickens should it be taken out to its maximum width.

Trimming typically occurs in early spring and again in late summer with a little and often philosophy. Taking off too much will make the hedge look bare, but it will grow back. To get straight lines better than trimming by eye, you can use a string line after the initial cut is complete. When The Plant Company trims hedges, we will often do a light cut over, then stand back and look along the lines to determine the high points for removal. Good luck!

The Plant Company has a range of hedging options and we invite you to check them out. We have taken great care to provide detailed information with each of them.

To create an informal hedge, firstly determine the spacing needed between plants. Our article, How Far Apart To Plant Hedge Plants gives a good indication of the closest the plants should be spaced. As we are after a more natural shape, those spacings can easily be increased. The Plant Company will often space plants for an informal hedge at half their mature width. They will be planted closer if the client wishes to have the hedge fill in sooner. You can find that information with each of our Hedge Options. The Plant Company has taken great care to provide accurate information and detail about how each plant grows.

The hedge can be trimmed as little or as much as you want given it is the informality you are wanting. The Plant Company typically trims informal hedges with a little and often approach so they become bushy yet still contained.

Pleached Hedges

Pleached trees may also need supporting with wire (or wire rope) if they are grown in a wind prone site. Unfortunately, a pleached hedge can act like a sail and be blown over by strong winds. Installing posts at either end and running wires through the hedge is one method of reducing this risk. It also has the advantage of reducing the need for stakes beside each tree.

The Plant Company has prepared some other articles you might find useful: Trees For A Pleached Hedge and How To Create A Pleached Hedge.

The trees are planted at even spacings as discussed in How Far Apart To Plant Trees For A Pleached Hedge. A string line ensures they are planted in line, and a spirit level is used at the same time to get them perfectly aligned.

The Plant Company recommends using a second string line is used with standardized trees to ensure the lowest branches on the tree are all starting at the same height. That usually means holes are made slightly deeper or shallower to achieve this. The trees are then well staked and left to “bush”. They are progressively trimmed as discussed in the article, How to trim a hedge. Remember to fertilise the hedge correctly and keep an eye out for any issues. Should anything look unusual, refer to our hedge troubleshooting articles.

Purchasing Hedge Plants

Watering Hedges