The Fastest Growing NZ Native Plants for Privacy and Shelter
The Fastest Growing NZ Native Plants for Privacy and Shelter
One of the first questions people ask when planning a new garden is:
"What's the fastest-growing NZ native plant?"
Whether you're trying to create privacy from neighbours, reduce wind, or soften the look of a new build, choosing the right plant can make all the difference.
While no plant provides instant screening, many NZ native species establish quickly and develop into beautiful hedges and shelter belts with the right care.
Here's a look at some of our most popular fast-growing native plants.
What Affects Growth Rate?
Growth rates vary depending on several factors, including:
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Soil quality
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Sunlight
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Water availability
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Climate
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Wind exposure
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Plant variety
A healthy plant growing in suitable conditions will almost always outperform one planted in the wrong location.
Remember, fast growth starts with healthy roots.
Griselinia (Broadleaf)
Best for: Fast privacy hedges, boundaries and shelter
Griselinia is one of New Zealand's most popular hedging plants, and for good reason. It produces lush evergreen foliage, responds well to trimming and grows quickly in suitable conditions.
It's ideal for homeowners wanting a dense hedge that provides year-round privacy.
Typical spacing:
80–100 cm apart
Ideal for:
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Privacy
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Shelter
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Coastal gardens
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New builds
Browse our Griselinia range:
https://greenmachine.nz/collections/griselinia
Pittosporum
Best for: Privacy, shelter and larger hedges
Pittosporums are another excellent fast-growing native option. They establish well and can be maintained at a range of heights, making them a versatile choice for many landscapes.
Typical spacing:
75–100 cm apart
Ideal for:
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Lifestyle blocks
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Boundary planting
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Wind protection
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Privacy screens
Browse our Pittosporum range:
https://greenmachine.nz/collections/pittosporum
Corokia
Best for: Compact hedges and modern gardens
While Corokia isn't the fastest-growing native on this list, it's an excellent choice for creating neat, dense hedges with minimal maintenance.
Its naturally intricate branching creates an attractive screen that responds well to trimming.
Typical spacing:
50–60 cm apart
Ideal for:
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Narrow spaces
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Low-maintenance hedges
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Modern landscapes
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Formal planting
Browse our Corokia range:
https://greenmachine.nz/collections/corokia
NZ Native Flax (Phormium)
Best for: Shelter, structure and exposed sites
Flaxes are among the fastest-establishing NZ native plants and are perfect for creating structure in a landscape.
Although they don't form a traditional hedge, they're excellent for:
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Windy sites
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New builds
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Lifestyle blocks
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Feature planting
Their bold foliage also adds year-round colour and texture.
Which Plant Grows the Fastest?
There's no single answer, as growth depends on the growing conditions and the plant itself.
Generally:
🥇 Griselinia – Excellent growth and one of the quickest options for creating a privacy hedge.
🥈 Pittosporum – Fast-growing and versatile, particularly for larger properties and shelter.
🥉 NZ Native Flax – Rapid establishment and great for adding height and shelter.
🌿 Corokia – Slower than Griselinia and Pittosporum, but forms a dense, tidy hedge that's easy to maintain.
Tips to Help Your Hedge Grow Faster
You can't force a hedge to grow overnight, but you can give it the best possible start.
To encourage healthy growth:
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Plant at the recommended spacing.
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Water regularly while plants establish.
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Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Remove competing weeds.
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Lightly tip-prune young plants to encourage bushier growth.
Healthy plants with strong root systems will establish more quickly and produce better long-term results.
For more advice, visit our Planting Guides:
https://greenmachine.nz/blogs/planting-guides
Fast Growth Doesn't Mean Big Plants
Many people assume buying the biggest plants available will produce the fastest hedge.
In reality, healthy young plants often establish more successfully because they experience less transplant shock and quickly develop strong root systems.
A well-grown young plant can soon catch up, making it a cost-effective choice for larger planting projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest-growing NZ native hedge?
Griselinia is widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing native hedging plants for creating privacy.
What is the best native plant for screening neighbours?
Griselinia, Pittosporum and Corokia are all popular choices, depending on the height, style and maintenance you're looking for.
How long does a native hedge take to establish?
Most native hedges spend their first year establishing roots before putting on stronger top growth. With good care, you'll see them become noticeably fuller over the following years.
Can native plants grow quickly in poor soil?
Many NZ native plants are adaptable, but healthy soil preparation and regular watering during establishment will always improve growth.
Choosing the Right Fast-Growing Native Plant
The fastest-growing plant isn't always the best plant.
The ideal choice depends on your site, the look you're trying to achieve and how you plan to maintain your hedge in the future.
Whether you're planting for privacy, shelter or simply to create a greener landscape, choosing healthy NZ native plants and giving them the right start will reward you for years to come.
Explore our Privacy & Hedging Collection:
https://greenmachine.nz/collections/privacy-hedging
Or browse our full range of NZ native plants: