What are Hedging Plants?

A hedge is defined as "a row of closely planted shrubs or low trees that are trimmed regularly to form a formal boundary or divide between properties." Hedges can be evergreen or deciduous and are often used for privacy, noise reduction, windbreaks, and living fences. Hedges are used for a variety of purposes, such as privacy screening, windbreaks, noise reduction, and more. When choosing a hedging plant, it's important to consider the size and growth habit of the plant, as well as its sun and soil requirements.
 

The Difference Between Evergreen and Deciduous Hedging Trees

When choosing hedging plants for your garden, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you want evergreen or deciduous varieties.
Evergreen hedges will retain their leaves all year round, providing privacy and wind protection throughout the year.
Deciduous hedges will lose their leaves in winter but will produce new growth in spring. This means that they won't provide as much privacy in winter but will give you the benefit of seasonal interest with flowers blooming in spring and summer.
 

Our hedging tree recommendations




Ficus Hillii Flash (Evergreen)

Growth Size: 10mh x 10m w - (easily kept trimmed to 2-3m h x 1.5m - 2)
Spacing: Plant these every 80cm apart for a faster forming hedge or further apart for a slower forming hedge.
Positioning: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Fast
Perfect for: Screening, Hedging, Feature Tree, Shade Tree, Topiary, Pleaching
 
Ficus hillii flash is one of our best-selling hedging trees. It is an evergreen tree, meaning it keeps its foliage all year round. It is also drought tolerant, growing quickly and having a dense, upright habit. Ficus hillii flash makes a great choice for privacy hedges and can quickly form a solid wall of greenery. It doesn't require much water and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Ficus Hillii Flash are low maintenance, hardy trees that can be pruned to any shape or size you require. Whether you're looking for a fast-growing privacy hedge or simply a low-maintenance tree, Ficus Hillii Flash is an excellent choice.

 

 

Waterhousea Floribunda / Weeping Lilly Pilly 

Growth Size: 10h x 8m w.
Growth Rate: Fast
Spacing: Plant these every 80cm apart for a faster forming hedge or further apart for a slower forming hedge.
Temperament: Not drought or frost tolerant.
Positioning: Full sun to part shade.
Perfect for: Specimen tree, tall screening, hedging, street tree


Growth Rate: Fast
 
The Waterhousea floribunda, also known as the weeping lilly pilly, is a fast-growing tree native to Australia. An evergreen tree, it keeps its foliage all year round and can reach heights of up to 10m. It is relatively drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in dry climates. Additionally, its dense network of branches makes it an ideal tree for creating a privacy screen or windbreak. Though it is relatively low-maintenance, the tree does require regular watering and pruning to keep it looking its best. Consequently, the Waterhousea floribunda is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an attractive, low-maintenance tree for their landscape.
 

 
Tristonopsis Luscious (Evergreen)

Growth Size: 7-12m h x 3-5m w.
Growth Rate: Fast
Positioning: Full sun or part shade.
Temperament: Frost and drought tolerant.
Perfect for: Shade tree, specimen tree, screening.
 
Tristonopsis luscious is a fast-growing, low-maintenance hedging tree that is perfect for privacy screening or as a specimen tree in large gardens. The leaves are dense and provide good shade and privacy. It grows quickly and can be used to form a hedge relatively quickly. With its attractive foliage and graceful branching habit, Tristonopsis Luscious is sure to enhance any landscape design. The dense foliage offers excellent year-round shade. This hardy tree can withstand cold winters and hot summers, making it a great choice for any climate. Tristonopsis Luscious is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option. So if you're looking for an attractive, low-maintenance tree that will add beauty and function to your landscape, look no further than Tristonopsis Luscious!

 

Magnolia Grandiflora Variety

Growth Size: Height depends on variety
Growth Rate: Fast
Positioning: Full sun to part shade
Temperament: Frost tolerant
Perfect for: Feature planting, hedges, screening
 
Magnolia grandiflora are a type of evergreen tree that is native to the southeastern United States. These trees are characterized by their large, glossy green leaves and white flowers. Magnolia grandiflora are often used as hedging trees because they are low maintenance and provide a lot of privacy. These trees do not require much watering and are relatively disease-resistant. Additionally, they are fast-growing and can reach heights of 10m or more. Magnolias are also a good choice for screening trees because of their dense foliage. Overall, magnolia grandiflora are an excellent option for anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for hedge tree.
 

Bay Trees (Laurus nobilis) 

Growth Size: 5-6m tall 
Growth Rate: Slow/ Moderate
Temperament: Tolerant to frost and coastal conditions
Perfect for: Screening, Hedging, culinary uses, topiary

Bay trees (Laurus Nobilis) are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an attractive, low-maintenance evergreen tree. Although they are slow growing, they eventually reach a height of 10 meters and have a dense, symmetrical canopy of dark green leaves. Bay trees are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance option for the garden. Additionally, their compact size and dense foliage make them perfect hedging trees. Whether you are looking for a tree to add some structure to your garden or need a fast-growing privacy hedge, bay trees are an excellent choice. 

 

Pear Trees

Size: Depends on variety
Temperament: Tolerant to frost
Positioning: Best in full sun
Growth rate: Fast
Perfect for: Feature tree, lining driveways or fences, large properties
 
Pear trees are excellent choices for hedges and screens for a variety of reasons. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in many different climates and soil types. Additionally, they are fast-growing trees, often reaching heights of 15 meters or more within just a few years. Their dense foliage provides excellent privacy when the trees are in leaf, but they do require occasional pruning to maintain their shape. Another benefit of pear trees is that they are relatively low maintenance, compared to other types of trees. However, it is important to keep in mind that they are deciduous trees, which means they will lose their leaves during the winter months. This also makes them frost tolerant. When planting a new pear tree, be sure to water it regularly until it becomes established. With proper care, a pear tree can provide years of beauty and privacy for your home.

 

Leighton Green

Growth Size: Up to 10-15m x 2-3m w

Spacing: Plant these every 80cm apart for a faster forming hedge or further apart for a slower forming hedge.
Positioning: Full sun or part shade
Temperament: Frost tolerant and a hardy plant in all climates
Perfect for: Screening out a neighbour or building, hedging, windbreak
Growth Rate: Very Fast
 
The 'Leighton Green' Conifer is a fast-growing, drought and frost-tolerant conifer that can make an ideal choice for a hedge, privacy screen, or windbreaker. Capable of growing up to 3 meters in the first 18 months when planted from a small-sized plant, this conifer grows faster than any other conifer or cypress. If left unchecked, it can reach 10-12 meters in height. The 'Leighton Green' Conifer is perfect for screening out a neighbor or building and can be planted every 80 cm apart for a faster-forming hedge or further apart for a slower-forming hedge. This conifer requires regular clipping to maintain a well-behaved and attractive hedge. Hardy in all climates, the 'Leighton Green' Conifer is a great addition to any landscape.