How to Grow Hedges

Hedges are very common in New Zealand gardens. They’re a great living alternative to fences or borders, and they can also be used decoratively. This guide will help you choose the right hedge for your place, and show you how to take care of it.

Slow growing

Buxus or English Box:

These are traditionally formal and are often seen edging paths and walkways.

• Foliage: Dark green, 15mm long and very dense. Evergreen.
• Speed of growth: Slow - medium.
• Height: 0.2 - 1.5m
• Planting distance: 20-30cm

Corokia:

Easy to maintain if grown in well-drained soil, and have many varieties.

• Foliage: Range from bright green, silver, or chocolate coloured depending on the variety. 20mm-80mm long. Evergreen.
• Speed of growth: Medium.
• Height: 0.3-2m
• Planting Distance: 30-50cm

Coprosma:

Offer a wide range to choose from, including many native varieties.

• Foliage: Lush glossy foliage. Evergreen.
• Speed of growth: Medium.
• Height: 0.5-2m
• Planting Distance: 50-100cm

Tall growing

Pittosporum:

This is an attractive but hardy option and is a great wind break or privacy screen.

• Foliage: Grey/Green/Variegated, 40-100mm long. Needs to be trimmed early and regularly to keep it dense. Evergreen.
• Speed of growth: Medium – fast.
• Height: 1-3m
• Planting Distance: 0.75m

Portuguese Laurel:

Vibrant green leaves in spring and grows well in most conditions.

• Foliage: Lush glossy foliage. Evergreen.
• Speed of growth: Medium.
• Height: 3-5m
• Planting Distance: 50-100cm

Griselinia:

Hugely popular, and grows well in warmer regions.

• Foliage: Large rounded bright green glossy leaves, 80-100mm long. Evergreen
• Speed of growth: Medium.
• Height: 1-2.5m
• Planting Distance: 75cm

Eugenia:

This is a good fast growing option.

• Foliage: Oval/pointed leaves 50mm long. New foliage stars of crimson red and then fades to a dark green. Very dense. Evergreen
• Speed of growth: Very fast.
• Height: 1.5-3m
• Planting Distance: 75cm

Beech:

Great in cooler areas, and turns from green in spring to golden in autumn.

• Foliage: Lush fine foliage. Deciduous.
• Speed of growth: Medium.
• Height: 1-3m
• Planting Distance: 15-30cm

Holly:

A deep green, easy to grow option.

• Foliage: Various colors in touch hard spikey foliage.
• Speed of growth: Slow - medium.
• Height: 1-3m
• Planting Distance: 25-75cm

Flowering

Camellia:

• Foliage: Very dense, lush dark green foliage. Evergreen.
• Speed of growth: Medium.
• Height: 1.5-3m
• Planting Distance: 50cm

Port Wine Magnolia:

This is highly fragrant with creamy yellow and purple spring flowers.

• Fragrance: Highly fragrant, creamy yellow and purple flowers
• Foliage: Very dense, lush glossy green foliage. Evergreen.
• Speed of growth: Medium.
• Height: 1.5-2.5m
• Planting Distance: 50cm

Design

Hedges always have a purpose, so think about what you are trying to achieve before selecting your variety. Is it shelter, privacy, fencing, screening, or a decorative border? Choose the right variety for your purposes.

Location

Most hedges will do well in full sun to full shade. If you’re wondering what will grow well in your area, a good tip is to check what else on your street seems to be growing well, and simply do the same at your place.

Timing

Autumn is best for planting hedges to let them get established before winter, but they should do well anytime of year.

Soil

Hedges are best grown in in a rich, well drained, fertile soil.

Watering

Water daily over summer in the first year, hedges are thirsty and it can increase the speed of growth by 3-4 times. Water deeply and mulch to reduce competition from weeds.

Planting

• Start by measuring your area to see how many plants you’ll need. Check the plant’s tag or ask in-store how far apart the plants need to be spaced, then figure out how many plants to buy. We’re spacing ours 40cm apart.
• If you want your hedge to fill faster, you could add a few more in.
• Place your plants onto your garden bed, and space them out evenly. Dig small holes to mark the spots.
• With the plants out of the way, dig each hole down to approximately 35cm.
• Add a handful of garden mix and sheep pellets to give the plants a boost.
• Carefully remove plant from its pot. Tease out the roots and place it in the middle of the hole.
• Look at how the plant is already growing. Plant the bushier sides facing the next plant, as this will ensure your hedge fills in quicker.
• In heavier clay soils add some gypsum to help break it down.
• Backfill your hole, pressing down gently.
• Fertilise and water with a seaweed solution.
• Add a layer of mulch and feed to keep the moisture in, and the weeds away.

Maintenance

Prune back your hedges by around a third at least once a year, this will help them become bushy. You should do this even if you want a tall hedge as helps it stops gaps forming.

Trim 3-4 times per year.

Trimming a hedge with manual shears:

Start at the end of your hedge and work your way along for a consistent cut. Keep your shears level and you will get a crisp top. If you can, assess your cuts at eye-level to make sure you’re doing an even job.

Trimming with hedge shears:

When trimming hedges with electric shears, it’s important to maintain an even flow when you cut. This is the easiest way to get a crisp line on your hedge. Make sure that you keep the trimmer at a horizontal position, so you avoid an uneven line.

Pests & Disease

Depending your region and your chosen variety of hedging there are a variety of pest and disease that could affect your plant. It is best to bring a sample instore and we will help you out.