Hedging is more than just a way to mark boundaries—it’s an opportunity to add beauty, structure, and ecological value to your garden. Native plants, in particular, offer a range of advantages for hedging: they are resilient, require less maintenance, support local wildlife, and thrive in a variety of climates and soil types. Whether you want a formal boundary, a wildlife-friendly screen, or a windbreak, native species can deliver both function and aesthetic appeal.
Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as Kohuhu, is one of New Zealand’s most versatile native plants for hedging. Its dense growth habit and glossy, dark green foliage make it ideal for creating privacy screens or structured garden borders. Kohuhu adapts well to a wide range of soil types and climates, from sheltered suburban gardens to more exposed coastal sites.
In spring, it produces small, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, adding both visual and ecological value. With a variety of cultivars available, gardeners can choose different leaf textures, colors, and growth habits to suit formal or informal hedges. Kohuhu is also tolerant of pruning, making it easy to maintain neat lines or more natural shapes depending on your garden design.
Griselinia littoralis, known as Broadleaf, is prized for its lush, evergreen foliage and rapid growth. Its dense, bushy habit makes it perfect for classic hedges, especially in windy or exposed areas where shelter is needed. Native to New Zealand, Broadleaf is highly tolerant of harsh conditions, including coastal salt spray and occasional frost, making it an excellent choice for a durable, low-maintenance hedge.
Beyond its practical uses, Broadleaf provides ecological benefits: its foliage offers shelter for birds, and its dense canopy supports insects and pollinators. It is ideal for gardeners seeking a vibrant, year-round green backdrop for their outdoor spaces.
Corokia cotoneaster, or Wire Netting Bush, is a distinctive option for those wanting a hedge with texture and contemporary appeal. Its tangled branches and small silver-green leaves create a unique, almost sculptural effect in the garden. Corokia is extremely hardy, thriving in coastal, alpine, or dry conditions, and its dense growth provides excellent informal screening.
When in bloom, Corokia produces masses of small yellow, star-shaped flowers that attract bees, followed by vibrant red or yellow berries that feed native birds. With varieties ranging from the tough traditional types like Corokia Red Wonder and Yellow Wonder to darker tones such as Corokia Frosted Chocolate or compact options like Corokia Leprechaun, it is easy to create hedges of varying heights, colors, and forms.
Coprosma, also known as Mirror Plants, are native shrubs known for their glossy, reflective leaves and colorful foliage. With a wide variety of species and cultivars, Coprosma offers options for hedges ranging from vibrant greens to shades of red, bronze, and gold.
These compact, resilient plants tolerate drought, wind, and coastal exposure, making them ideal for sunny, dry, or seaside gardens. Coprosma hedges not only provide structure and privacy but also support native insects and birds, thanks to their small berries and dense foliage.
Olearia species, or Daisy Bushes, are tough, evergreen natives with aromatic foliage and abundant daisy-like flowers. They thrive in dry, windy, and coastal environments, making them perfect for exposed sites. Their dense growth forms effective privacy screens or windbreaks while also providing habitat and food for native insects and birds.
Many Olearia varieties produce fragrant, cream-colored flowers that attract pollinators throughout the blooming season, enhancing the ecological value of your hedge. Their adaptability to challenging conditions makes them a reliable choice for low-maintenance, long-lasting hedges.
Leptospermum scoparium, commonly called Manuka, is a hardy native shrub known for its small, aromatic leaves and delicate white or pink flowers. Manuka creates dense, attractive hedges that function as privacy screens, informal garden borders, or windbreaks.
Beyond its visual appeal, Manuka supports biodiversity: it attracts pollinators, provides nesting habitat for insects, and contributes to healthy ecosystems. Its resilience to a range of conditions—from coastal to inland—makes it a versatile and practical choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and functionality.
Native hedging plants bring multiple benefits to your garden:
Adaptability: Most New Zealand native hedging species tolerate wind, frost, salt spray, and poor soils.
Low Maintenance: Once established, native plants require minimal watering and pruning compared to exotic species.
Ecological Value: Flowers, berries, and dense foliage provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and pollinators.
Aesthetic Appeal: Native plants offer a range of textures, colors, and seasonal interest—from glossy evergreen leaves to colorful berries and delicate flowers.
Whether creating a formal boundary, a privacy screen, or a wildlife-friendly garden, native plants allow you to design a sustainable, thriving hedge that enhances both the beauty and ecological health of your outdoor space.
By choosing species suited to your climate and site conditions, you can create a durable, low-maintenance hedge that supports native wildlife and enriches your garden for years to come.
Check out our selection of native hedges available now and start transforming your garden today.
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