Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia
Most loved for its dense evergreen foliage, brilliant flushes of red new growth, and strong performance as a tall screening and hedging plant.
Regular price
$140.00
Sale price
$140.00
Regular price
Tax included.
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Pot size
Available batches
- Current height guide
- Please enquire
- Pot size
- 30cm/33cm
Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.
Height guide & disclaimer
Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.
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About this tree
About this tree
- Mature height
- Up to 10m unpruned, usually held at 2m to 4m as a hedge
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Photinia robusta flushes brilliant scarlet-red new growth repeatedly through the growing season against dense glossy dark green mature foliage, giving one of the boldest colour contrasts available in a hedging plant. Every trim triggers another flush, so a maintained hedge carries red for most of the year.
Photinia robusta is a genuinely tall grower, reaching around 10 metres if left alone, but it is almost always held between 2 and 4 metres as a hedge. It stays narrow at 2 to 3 metres wide and grows quickly at 40 to 80 centimetres per year, which makes it a common choice where a tall screen is needed fast.
Photinia robusta grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established. It is adaptable to most soils, tolerates urban conditions, and holds density under hard clipping, so it suits both formal hedges and loose boundary screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Photinia robusta
How tall does Photinia robusta grow?
Left unpruned Photinia robusta can reach around 10 metres, which makes it one of the taller screening plants available. In practice it is kept between 2 and 4 metres as a clipped hedge.
How fast does Photinia robusta grow?
It grows quickly at 40 to 80 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable screen within two to three years. It is one of the faster evergreen hedging options.
Why does Photinia robusta go red?
New growth emerges bright scarlet-red before hardening to glossy dark green. Trimming stimulates fresh growth, so regular clipping produces more red colour rather than less.
How far apart should I plant Photinia robusta for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but needs more frequent trimming.
Does Photinia robusta grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade, though red new growth colours most intensely in full sun. In shade the plant stays healthy but growth is more open.
Is Photinia robusta frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts.
When should I prune Photinia robusta?
Trim two to three times through the growing season, from spring to early autumn. Each cut drives a new red flush, so frequent light trimming gives both a tighter hedge and more colour.
Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- Up to 10m unpruned, usually held at 2m to 4m as a hedge
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Pot sizes & dimensions
Pot sizes & dimensions
| Pot / bag size | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm Pot | 33cm | 30cm |
| 40cm/45L Pot | 44cm | 41.5cm |
| 50cm Pot / 70L Pot | 55cm | 41.8cm |
| 100L Bag | 50.6cm | 52.8cm |
| 150L Bag | 66cm | 55cm |
| 200L Bag | 71.5cm | 60.5cm |
| 300L Bag | 88cm | 63.8cm |
| 400L Bag | 99cm | 66cm |
| 500L Bag | 122cm | 66cm |
| 750L Bag | 134cm | 69cm |
| 1000L Bag | 146.3cm | 71.5cm |
| 2000L Bag | 176cm | 82.5cm |
General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.
Delivery & pickup
Delivery & pickup
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Trade enquiries
We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.
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Not sure how many trees you need?
Plan your hedge
Enter the length of your boundary, then choose how closely you want to plant.
Enter your boundary length to see how many trees you need.
Measure only the boundary you intend to plant—exclude gates and gaps. Spacing is centre to centre. Quantities are rounded up for one row, allowing roughly half the spacing at each end. Site conditions and pruning affect the final hedge.
About Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta'
Photinia robusta flushes brilliant scarlet-red new growth repeatedly through the growing season against dense glossy dark green mature foliage, giving one of the boldest colour contrasts available in a hedging plant. Every trim triggers another flush, so a maintained hedge carries red for most of the year.
Photinia robusta is a genuinely tall grower, reaching around 10 metres if left alone, but it is almost always held between 2 and 4 metres as a hedge. It stays narrow at 2 to 3 metres wide and grows quickly at 40 to 80 centimetres per year, which makes it a common choice where a tall screen is needed fast.
Photinia robusta grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established. It is adaptable to most soils, tolerates urban conditions, and holds density under hard clipping, so it suits both formal hedges and loose boundary screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Photinia robusta
How tall does Photinia robusta grow?
Left unpruned Photinia robusta can reach around 10 metres, which makes it one of the taller screening plants available. In practice it is kept between 2 and 4 metres as a clipped hedge.
How fast does Photinia robusta grow?
It grows quickly at 40 to 80 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable screen within two to three years. It is one of the faster evergreen hedging options.
Why does Photinia robusta go red?
New growth emerges bright scarlet-red before hardening to glossy dark green. Trimming stimulates fresh growth, so regular clipping produces more red colour rather than less.
How far apart should I plant Photinia robusta for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but needs more frequent trimming.
Does Photinia robusta grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade, though red new growth colours most intensely in full sun. In shade the plant stays healthy but growth is more open.
Is Photinia robusta frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts.
When should I prune Photinia robusta?
Trim two to three times through the growing season, from spring to early autumn. Each cut drives a new red flush, so frequent light trimming gives both a tighter hedge and more colour.
- Foliage
Evergreen (foliage year round)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- Up to 10m unpruned, usually held at 2m to 4m as a hedge
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year (approx.).
Long Term Care For Your Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia
Planting Your Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia works in an:
Is Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia Evergreen or Deciduous?
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: Up to 10m unpruned, usually held at 2m to 4m as a hedge
Mature Width: 2m to 3m
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year (approx.).
Growth Rate of Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia is expected to grow 40cm to 80cm per year (approx.).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia
Is Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia frost tolerant?
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.
Does Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia Flower?
Photinia robusta produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in mid- to late spring. These soft, lightly fragrant blooms sit above the glossy green foliage and are followed by bright red berries, adding a subtle yet attractive seasonal accent.
Does Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
White
Is Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia an Australian Native Tree?
No
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia is Native to Garden origin. Photinia x fraseri is a hybrid between Photinia glabra and Photinia serratifolia, both native to East Asia. 'Robusta' is a vigorous cultivar of that hybrid, selected for strong upright growth and heavy red new foliage, and is one of the tallest Photinias in cultivation.
What is the Wildlife Value of Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia ?
Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinators, while the red berries provide a valuable food source for birds. The dense evergreen foliage also offers excellent shelter, nesting cover and protection for small birds, making it highly useful for wildlife-friendly hedging and screening.
How much Sunlight does Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia need?
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
Photinia robusta performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained positions unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to increase drainage and aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the plant matures to support drought resilience, dense evergreen growth and healthy berry production.
Is Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia Drought Tolerant?
Is Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia Drought tolerant?
As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established Photinia robusta develops good drought tolerance. Hardy and reliable, it performs well in warm, dry and urban environments and maintains dense growth with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does Photinia robusta grow?
Left unpruned Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' can reach around 10 metres, which makes it one of the taller screening plants available. In practice it is kept between 2 and 4 metres as a clipped hedge.
What is the difference between Robusta and Red Robin?
They are different cultivars of the same hybrid. 'Robusta' is the vigorous one, capable of reaching 10 metres, and is the choice when you need real height. 'Red Robin' is far more compact at 2 to 4 metres with brighter red new growth, and suits smaller suburban hedges. Choose Robusta for tall screening, Red Robin for a low to mid-height hedge.
How fast does Photinia robusta grow?
It grows quickly at 40 to 80 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable screen within two to three years. It is one of the faster evergreen hedging options.
Why does Photinia robusta go red?
New growth emerges bright scarlet-red before hardening to glossy dark green. Trimming stimulates fresh growth, so regular clipping produces more red colour rather than less.
How far apart should I plant Photinia robusta for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but needs more frequent trimming.
Does Photinia robusta grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade, though red new growth colours most intensely in full sun. In shade the plant stays healthy but growth is more open.
Is Photinia robusta frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts.
When should I prune Photinia robusta?
Trim two to three times through the growing season, from spring to early autumn. Each cut drives a new red flush, so frequent light trimming gives both a tighter hedge and more colour.
Compare sizes side by side
30cm/33cm
Enquire for current heights
40cm/45L
Enquire for current heights
50cm
Enquire for current heights
Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.
Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' is loved for its dense evergreen foliage, brilliant flushes of red new growth, and strong performance as a tall screening and hedging plant.
We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.
Plant Your Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia With:
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.
Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.
Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Enriched Planting Mix
What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?
It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.
What plants is it suitable for?
It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.
Is it safe for natives?
No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.
Is it certified organic?
Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.
How much do I need?
Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.
Can I use it in pots?
It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.
Does it need to be watered in?
Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.
Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.
Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Enriched Planting Mix
What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?
It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.
What plants is it suitable for?
It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.
Is it safe for natives?
No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.
Is it certified organic?
Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.
How much do I need?
Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.
Can I use it in pots?
It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.
Does it need to be watered in?
Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus microphylla var. japonica, sold as Japanese Box, is a dense evergreen shrub clipped here into clean topiary balls. The small, rounded, mid green leaves sit tightly along short stems, so the surface holds a crisp edge after cutting. Growth is naturally compact, which is what allows the ball shape to hold between trims.
It grows in full sun to part shade and accepts most soils that drain, from sandy loam through to improved clay. Cool temperate, temperate and subtropical districts all suit it, and established plants handle light to moderate frost. Growth runs about 15 to 25 centimetres a year, slow enough that the shape stays where you put it.
Balls are used to edge beds and paths, mark an entry, sit either side of a doorway, or repeat down a courtyard to give a planting rhythm. They also underplant feature trees neatly. Because the form arrives already grown, a bed reads finished from the day it goes in rather than years later.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Japanese Box Topiary Balls
What is a Japanese Box topiary ball?
It is Buxus microphylla var. japonica grown on and clipped into a sphere. The plant does the same job as any box shrub, evergreen, small leaved and tolerant of cutting, but it arrives already shaped. Ball diameters run from around 30 centimetres up to large advanced specimens, and the shape is then held with two trims a year.
How big do Japanese Box topiary balls get?
The ball is held at whatever diameter it is clipped to, commonly 30 to 70 centimetres, with larger specimens available in bigger containers. In the ground, overall height sits close to the ball diameter. Left entirely unclipped the species would slowly reach roughly 1.5 to 2 metres tall and wide over many years.
How fast does Japanese Box grow?
About 15 to 25 centimetres a year, which is slow to moderate. That pace is an advantage in topiary because the outline drifts gradually rather than running away between cuts. Two trims a year, one in early spring and one in late summer, are usually enough to keep the surface tight and the profile even.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest, tightest surface, which matters when the appeal of the plant is a clean clipped edge. In hot inland gardens some afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch and bronzing. Deep shade thins the growth out and the ball loses its crisp outline.
Is Japanese Box frost tolerant?
Yes. Established plants handle light to moderate frost without damage, which covers most temperate and cool temperate gardens including Canberra, Melbourne and the southern tablelands. Newly planted stock is more exposed, so water it well going into winter and mulch the root zone. Any frost burnt tips can simply be trimmed off in spring.
Can Japanese Box topiary balls grow in pots?
Yes, they are one of the better plants for a container. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single ball for a courtyard, entry or balcony. Use a quality potting mix, water once the top few centimetres dry out, and feed in spring and again in summer. Repot or refresh the mix every few years.
How do I care for Japanese Box topiary balls?
Trim twice a year with sharp shears, cutting lightly and often rather than hard. Feed in early spring with a slow release fertiliser and keep water up through summer. Mulch to about 50 millimetres, keeping it clear of the stem. Watch for box psyllid on soft new growth and treat early if the tips start to cup.
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls are pre-clipped formal evergreen specimens, available in three mature sizes and ready to place. The tight, fine, dark green foliage holds a precise rounded form year-round and gives the classic formal topiary look that no other Buxus replicates. As one of our most consistently strong-selling products, our English Box topiary balls are well-shaped, well-rooted, and arrive in proportion to the pot size.
English Box performs best in cool to temperate climates and is slow growing at around 15 to 25 cm per year in good conditions, which is exactly why it holds sharp formal shapes so well. It thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil, and is frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, and excellent in containers. Two light clips per year, in spring and again in late summer, keep the ball form crisp.
Use them flanking entrances, lining formal pathways, anchoring symmetrical garden beds, defining parterre and knot gardens, and in pairs in classic urns and decorative pots at front doors. Buxus sempervirens is the original topiary plant and remains the benchmark for traditional and contemporary formal design, with a level of finesse and density that fast-growing alternatives cannot replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
What size are the English Box topiary balls when they arrive?
Our English Box topiary balls arrive pre-clipped and ready to place at the size you order. The 30cm/33cm pots have ball diameters of approximately 30 to 45 cm, the 40cm/45L pots have ball diameters of 40 to 55 cm, and the 50cm/75L pots have ball diameters of 50 to 70 cm. They are well-rooted and in proportion to the pot.
How fast does Buxus sempervirens grow?
English Box is slow-growing, adding approximately 15 to 25 cm per year once established in good conditions. This slow growth rate is one of the reasons it holds sharp formal shapes so well, and why mature pre-clipped specimens command a premium over seedling-grown stock.
What is the difference between English Box, Japanese Box, and Shaggy Box?
English Box (Buxus sempervirens) has the smallest, finest leaves and the tightest formal texture, ideal for traditional parterres and clipped balls. Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla japonica) has slightly larger leaves, grows faster, and handles heat better. Shaggy Box (Buxus bodinieri) has soft, rounded leaves, much better blight resistance, and is the best choice for humid subtropical climates where English Box can struggle.
Where does English Box grow best in Australia?
English Box performs best in cool to temperate regions including Victoria, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands, Tasmania, and the elevated parts of South Australia and Western Australia. In humid coastal or hot subtropical regions, consider Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box or Japanese Box instead for better long-term performance.
How do I prune English Box topiary balls?
Lightly clip in spring and again in late summer or early autumn to maintain the ball shape. Avoid pruning in the heat of summer or during frost periods. Use sharp shears for the cleanest formal finish, and step back regularly to check the symmetry of the form.
Can English Box grow in pots?
Yes. English Box is the classic potted topiary plant and pre-clipped balls look particularly striking in pairs at entrances and on terraces. Use a minimum 30L pot for the 30cm/33cm size and scale up from there, with a quality potting mix and a slow-release fertiliser applied twice yearly.
Is English Box susceptible to disease?
English Box can be affected by box blight, particularly in humid conditions where foliage stays wet. To reduce risk, ensure good air circulation around each plant, avoid overhead watering, and prune to maintain airflow through the canopy. In high-humidity regions, Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box is a more disease-resistant alternative.
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' is one of the best compact evergreen shrubs available for low hedges and borders. The glossy dark green foliage forms a naturally tidy rounded mound, and clusters of soft white to pale pink flowers appear from late winter into spring, followed by small dark berries.
Oriental Pearl grows to just 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, holding a neat uniform shape with minimal pruning. The compact form makes it ideal for low clipped hedges, narrow borders, mass plantings, and container planting, particularly where space is limited and a formal finish is wanted.
Oriental Pearl thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, coastal exposure, salt spray, light frost, and a wide range of well-drained soils. It is both drought tolerant and salt tolerant once established, making it a reliable low-maintenance choice for coastal and low-water gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
How tall does Oriental Pearl Rhaphiolepis grow?
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' grows to 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, forming a naturally compact dense mound.
How fast does Oriental Pearl grow?
Oriental Pearl has a moderate growth rate of 20-40cm per year once established.
Is Oriental Pearl good for low hedges?
Yes. Oriental Pearl is one of the best compact evergreen shrubs for low hedges, borders, and mass plantings, holding a tidy rounded form with minimal pruning.
When does Oriental Pearl flower?
Oriental Pearl produces clusters of soft white to pale pink flowers from late winter into spring, followed by small dark berries.
Is Oriental Pearl drought and salt tolerant?
Yes. Oriental Pearl is both drought tolerant and salt tolerant once established, making it well suited to coastal gardens and low-water landscapes.
How far apart should I plant Oriental Pearl for a low hedge?
Plant 50-70cm apart for a continuous low hedge, or 80cm-1 metre for a softer informal border.
Where does Oriental Pearl grow best in Australia?
Oriental Pearl thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, coastal exposure, and a wide range of well-drained soils.
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden' is a compact evergreen shrub that delivers a fresh burst of fragrant pure white flowers from late winter into spring. The dense mounding habit and glossy dark green foliage give it a lush, polished year-round appearance.
Snow Maiden grows to just 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, holding a naturally tidy rounded form with minimal pruning. The compact size makes it an excellent choice for low clipped hedges, borders, mass plantings, and containers, and it works well as a standout specimen in mixed plantings. Small dark berries follow the flowers.
Snow Maiden performs well in full sun to part shade and is drought hardy once established, thriving in coastal gardens and a wide range of well-drained soils. It is salt tolerant, low maintenance, and needs only moderate water while establishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
How tall does Snow Maiden Rhaphiolepis grow?
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden' grows to 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, forming a naturally compact dense mound.
How fast does Snow Maiden grow?
Snow Maiden has a moderate growth rate of 20-40cm per year once established.
When does Snow Maiden flower?
Snow Maiden produces masses of pure white flowers from late winter into spring, followed by small dark berries.
Is Snow Maiden good for low hedges?
Yes. Snow Maiden is one of the best compact evergreen shrubs for low hedges, borders, and mass plantings, holding a tidy rounded form with minimal pruning.
Is Snow Maiden drought and salt tolerant?
Yes. Snow Maiden is both drought tolerant and salt tolerant once established, making it well suited to coastal gardens and low-water landscapes.
How far apart should I plant Snow Maiden for a low hedge?
Plant 50-70cm apart for a continuous low hedge, or 80cm-1 metre for a softer informal border.
Where does Snow Maiden grow best in Australia?
Snow Maiden thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, coastal exposure, and a wide range of well-drained soils.
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Snow Maiden'
Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It'
Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It'
Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It' forms a dense mat of fine weeping needle-like foliage just 20 to 30 centimetres high, cascading beautifully over walls, edges and rock work. It reads as flowing texture rather than as a conventional groundcover, which is why designers use it so heavily.
'Cousin It' spreads 2 to 4 metres wide at 30 to 50 centimetres per year, filling in steadily without becoming invasive or needing to be cut back. It suppresses weeds once established, holds soil on banks and batters, and works equally well spilling from a raised planter or a large pot.
This Australian native tolerates light to moderate frost once established, along with salt, wind, poor soils and extended dry. It grows in full sun to part shade and needs essentially no maintenance beyond the occasional tidy of a wayward runner.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It'
How big does Casuarina 'Cousin It' grow?
'Cousin It' stays just 20 to 30 centimetres tall and spreads 2 to 4 metres wide. It is a genuinely prostrate form and will not build up in height over time.
How fast does 'Cousin It' spread?
It spreads at 30 to 50 centimetres per year, filling in steadily. Expect two to three seasons to close a mass planting depending on spacing.
Is 'Cousin It' salt tolerant?
Yes. Casuarina glauca is naturally a coastal and estuarine species, and 'Cousin It' inherits strong salt and wind tolerance, which makes it excellent for seaside gardens.
Does 'Cousin It' suppress weeds?
Yes. Once the mat closes over it forms dense cover that suppresses most weed germination, which is a large part of its value in commercial and civic landscapes.
Can 'Cousin It' be grown in a pot?
Yes. It is particularly effective spilling over the edge of a large pot, raised planter or retaining wall, where the cascading habit can be seen.
How far apart should I plant it for groundcover?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a continuous mass. Closer spacing closes the gaps faster but the plants will eventually merge regardless.
Is 'Cousin It' frost tolerant?
It handles light to moderate frost once established. Protect young plants through their first winter in colder inland districts.
Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' carries small shimmering silver-green leaves on near-black stems, giving a light airy screen that moves in the wind rather than reading as a solid green wall. It is one of the most widely specified screening plants in Australian landscape design for exactly that reason.
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall but only 1.5 to 2 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, which makes it a genuine solution for narrow beds along fence lines and between buildings where height is needed but width is not available. Small cream flowers appear in spring and are lightly fragrant.
'Silver Sheen' grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established, performing from subtropical Queensland through Sydney, Melbourne, Gippsland and Adelaide. It clips well, holds density under regular trimming, and is equally effective as a formal hedge or a loose screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
How tall does Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' grow?
'Silver Sheen' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and only 1.5 to 2 metres wide, which makes it one of the best options for narrow screening where a tall hedge is needed in a shallow bed.
How fast does 'Silver Sheen' grow?
It grows at 30 to 60 centimetres per year once established, reaching a usable screening height within three to four years with regular water and feeding.
How narrow can I keep 'Silver Sheen'?
It naturally holds to 1.5 to 2 metres wide and can be trimmed to under a metre with regular clipping, which is why it is so often used in tight side-boundary positions.
How far apart should I plant 'Silver Sheen' for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but needs more trimming.
Is 'Silver Sheen' frost tolerant?
'Silver Sheen' handles light to moderate frost once established. Young plants benefit from protection through their first winter in colder inland districts.
Does 'Silver Sheen' grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade. In shadier positions growth is slightly more open, which suits a softer informal screen.
Where does 'Silver Sheen' grow best in Australia?
It performs from subtropical Queensland through Northern NSW, Sydney, the South Coast and tablelands, Melbourne and surrounds, the Western District, Gippsland and Adelaide.
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Balls' is Star Jasmine grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere. The small glossy leaves sit tight on a woody framework, holding a clean rounded outline year round. White pinwheel flowers open in spring and carry a strong sweet scent right across a courtyard.
Ball specimens hold at about 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide with light clipping. Full sun to part shade suits them, in any free draining soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. They handle coastal exposure, light frost and dry spells once the roots are down.
Repeat them along a driveway, either side of an entry, or in pots on a terrace where a formal shape is wanted straight away. They read as structure in a planting scheme without the height of a hedge, and because the form is already trained, a new garden looks settled from the day it goes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Star Jasmine Balls
What are Star Jasmine Balls?
They are Trachelospermum jasminoides, the common Star Jasmine, grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere on a woody framework. Instead of climbing, the plant is trained into a self supporting rounded shape. The foliage is small, glossy and dark green, and the plant carries scented white flowers through spring.
How big do Star Jasmine Balls grow?
They hold at roughly 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, so a light clip once or twice a year keeps the ball tight at whatever size within that range suits the setting.
Do Star Jasmine Balls need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest foliage and the heaviest flowering, while part shade produces slightly softer, more open growth and fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade, where the ball thins out and loses its outline. Morning sun with afternoon protection suits hot inland gardens.
Can Star Jasmine Balls be grown in pots?
Yes, and pots are one of the main uses. A container 50 to 60 centimetres wide with a quality free draining mix will hold a ball for years. Water more often than you would in the ground, especially in summer, and feed in spring and again in late summer. Refresh the mix every few years.
Are Star Jasmine Balls evergreen?
Yes, the foliage is held year round. The glossy dark green leaves take on a bronze tinge in cold weather and green up again in spring, but the plant never goes bare. That is what makes it useful as permanent structure in a scheme, particularly in winter once perennials have died back.
When do Star Jasmine Balls flower?
Flowering runs through spring, roughly September to November, and often carries into early summer in warmer districts. The white pinwheel flowers are small but produced in quantity, and the scent is strong on still evenings. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun that were not clipped hard just before bud set.
How do I prune and care for Star Jasmine Balls?
Clip lightly with hedging shears once after flowering and again in late summer if needed, taking only the new growth to keep the outline crisp. Water deeply in dry weather, mulch the base, and feed in early spring. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
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Perfect Substitutes for Photinia x fraseri 'Robusta' – Robusta Photinia
Photinia glabra 'Super Red'
Photinia glabra 'Super Red'
Photinia glabra 'Super Red' flushes brilliant scarlet new growth repeatedly through the growing season against glossy dark green mature foliage, and does it on a frame far more compact than the common Photinia robusta. Every trim triggers another flush, so a maintained hedge carries red for most of the year.
'Super Red' grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and only 1.5 to 2 metres wide at 40 to 80 centimetres per year, holding a dense upright habit. That narrow footprint makes it a better fit than robusta for suburban boundaries, side passages and any bed where a tall screen is needed but width is limited.
'Super Red' grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established. It clips cleanly, holds density under regular trimming, and adapts to most soils, which is why it is one of the most widely planted formal hedging shrubs in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Photinia glabra 'Super Red'
How tall does Photinia 'Super Red' grow?
'Super Red' grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and only 1.5 to 2 metres wide. It is considerably more compact than Photinia robusta, which suits it to smaller gardens.
How is 'Super Red' different from Photinia robusta?
'Super Red' is a Photinia glabra selection and stays much smaller, reaching 2 to 4 metres rather than the 10 metres robusta can achieve. Choose 'Super Red' for suburban hedges and robusta where real height is needed.
How fast does 'Super Red' grow?
It grows at 40 to 80 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable hedge within two to three years.
Why does the new growth go red?
New foliage emerges brilliant scarlet before hardening to glossy dark green. Trimming stimulates fresh growth, so regular clipping produces more red colour rather than less.
How far apart should I plant 'Super Red' for a hedge?
Plant 80 centimetres to 1 metre apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1.5 metres apart for a looser informal screen.
Does 'Super Red' grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade, though the red new growth colours most intensely in full sun.
When should I prune Photinia 'Super Red'?
Trim two to three times through the growing season from spring to early autumn. Each cut drives a new red flush, so frequent light trimming gives both a tighter hedge and more colour.
Photinia glabra 'Super Red'
Elaeagnus x ebbingei – Silverberry
Elaeagnus x ebbingei – Silverberry
Elaeagnus x ebbingei, the Silverberry or Oleaster, is a hardy fast-growing evergreen shrub prized for its shimmering silver-green foliage and intensely fragrant, if inconspicuous, autumn flowers. It is one of the most versatile and resilient hedging plants available, and it clips well enough to hold a formal topiary ball.
This listing covers both forms. The hedge sizes are grown as bushy plants for screening, windbreaks and clipped hedges. The 70L and 100L topiary balls are the same plant, pre-clipped into a formal rounded shape and ready to place.
Silverberry grows to 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide if left unclipped, forming a dense bushy canopy. The leathery silver-green leaves catch the light with a soft shimmer, particularly in breeze. As a hedge it is most commonly maintained between 1.5 and 3 metres.
It is exceptionally tough, thriving in full sun to part shade and tolerating salt spray, pollution, drought once established, and a wide range of soils. This makes it ideal for coastal gardens, exposed sites and professional landscaping where durability and fast growth matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Elaeagnus x ebbingei Silverberry
What is the difference between the hedge sizes and the topiary balls?
They are the same plant, grown and pruned differently. The hedge sizes are bushy plants intended for screening and clipped hedging. The 70L and 100L topiary balls have been trained and pre-clipped into a formal rounded shape, ready to place as a feature or in pairs at an entrance.
How tall does Elaeagnus x ebbingei grow?
Elaeagnus x ebbingei grows to 3 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide if left unclipped, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5 to 3 metre clipped hedge. Topiary balls are held at their clipped size with two light trims per year.
How fast does Elaeagnus grow?
Elaeagnus x ebbingei is fast-growing, adding 60 cm to 1 metre per year once established. This is why it is one of the quickest ways to establish an evergreen screen.
What does Elaeagnus foliage look like?
Elaeagnus x ebbingei has distinctive silver-green foliage with a shimmering silvery underside, giving the plant a soft luminous quality, particularly in breeze and changing light.
Is Elaeagnus good for hedging and screening?
Yes. Elaeagnus x ebbingei is an excellent fast hedging and screening plant, valued for its dense growth, silver foliage and tolerance of pruning.
Is Elaeagnus drought and coastal tolerant?
Yes. Elaeagnus x ebbingei is highly drought tolerant and exceptionally salt tolerant once established, making it one of the best coastal hedging plants available.
Does Elaeagnus flower?
Yes. Elaeagnus produces small, inconspicuous but intensely fragrant cream flowers in autumn, often noticed by scent before sight.
How far apart should I plant Elaeagnus for a hedge?
Plant 60 to 80 cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre for a more relaxed screen. Topiary balls are usually placed as single features or in pairs rather than in a run.
Elaeagnus x ebbingei – Silverberry
Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo' – Chindo Viburnum Screening Hedge
Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo' – Chindo Viburnum Screening Hedge
Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo', commonly known as Chindo Viburnum, is a fast-growing evergreen screening shrub valued for its large glossy dark green foliage, dense upright habit and exceptional privacy performance. The broad polished leaves create an instantly lush, tropical-feeling backdrop, making it one of the most effective screening and hedging plants available for warm Australian gardens.
It performs reliably in full sun through to part shade and adapts to a wide range of soil types provided drainage is good. Once established it tolerates heat, humidity, wind and short dry periods with ease. Chindo develops a naturally dense habit with minimal pruning, holding a clean clipped form for hedging or growing freely as a vigorous tall screen.
As a fast-growing evergreen shrub for screening, hedging, boundary planting and feature positions in contemporary, tropical and coastal gardens, Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo' brings large glossy foliage, dense upright form, fragrant spring flowers, decorative berries and rapid privacy coverage that strengthens steadily through every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo' Chindo Viburnum
What is Chindo Viburnum?
Chindo Viburnum is the common name for Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo', a selected cultivar of the species valued for its large glossy dark green leaves, dense upright growth habit and exceptional performance as a screening and hedging plant in warm Australian gardens.
How fast does Chindo Viburnum grow?
Chindo Viburnum is fast-growing, putting on 60 cm to 1.2 m of growth per year under suitable conditions. It is one of the quickest ways to establish a tall evergreen privacy screen, with full coverage typically achieved within 2 to 3 years from planting.
How tall and wide does Chindo Viburnum grow?
At maturity Chindo Viburnum reaches approximately 4 to 6 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide, forming a dense upright screen. With pruning it can be maintained at a lower height for formal hedging from 1.5 metres upwards, and is easily kept to a controlled size in established gardens.
Is Chindo Viburnum good for screening and hedging?
Yes. Chindo Viburnum is one of the most popular evergreen screening and hedging plants available. The combination of large glossy foliage, dense upright habit and rapid growth makes it ideal for tall privacy screens, boundary plantings and formal hedges where year-round coverage is required.
How far apart should I plant Chindo Viburnum for a screen or hedge?
For a dense screen, plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart. For a formal clipped hedge, plant 1 to 1.2 metres apart. For a feature specimen with space to spread, allow 2 to 3 metres clearance between plants. Closer spacing gives faster coverage; wider spacing allows each plant to develop its full form.
Does Chindo Viburnum need pruning?
Chindo Viburnum responds very well to pruning and can be maintained as a formal clipped hedge or left to grow as a naturally dense screen. For hedging, trim two to three times per year through the warmer months. For screening, occasional shape pruning is all that is required to keep the form tidy.
Is Chindo Viburnum drought and frost tolerant?
Yes to both, once established. Through the first season it benefits from regular watering to build a strong root system. Once established Chindo Viburnum shows good drought tolerance and handles light to moderate frost without damage. It performs reliably across warm temperate and subtropical Australian climates.
Does Chindo Viburnum flower and produce berries?
Yes. Chindo Viburnum produces clusters of small fragrant creamy-white flowers in spring, followed on established plants by decorative red berries that mature to black. The flowers attract bees and pollinators, and the berries are valued by birds, adding wildlife interest alongside the screening function.
Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo' – Chindo Viburnum Screening Hedge
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' is one of the most widely planted lilly pilly cultivars in New South Wales and Queensland, valued for its pest resistance, dense foliage, and dependable performance. The glossy deep green leaves and striking red to copper new growth give it year-round colour and a thick, bushy habit.
Resilience grows to 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-4 metre clipped hedge. The fast growth, dense canopy, and excellent response to pruning make it a top choice for privacy screening, formal and informal hedges, and fast-establishing boundary planting.
Its key advantage is psyllid resistance: where older Syzygium varieties are disfigured by pimple-like pest damage, 'Resilience' holds clean, unblemished foliage without chemical treatment. It thrives in full sun to part shade, tolerates drought once established, and produces fluffy white summer flowers followed by berries that attract native birds.
The 50cm Tall Square Form is the same cultivar grown on and pre-clipped to a squared upright panel. It is the shortcut to an instant formal hedge: set the units side by side and the line closes immediately, with none of the two or three seasons a shrub-form hedge takes to knit together.
Which form do you need? The 30cm, 40cm, 50cm, 100L and 200L sizes are the natural bushy form, supplied as shrubs for screens and hedges you clip yourself. The 50cm Tall Square Form arrives already clipped as a squared panel for an instant formal line. For the same cultivar trained as a clipped lollipop on a clear trunk, see the Syzygium 'Resilience' Standard, or as a clipped cone, the Resilience Cones.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
What is the Tall Square Form?
It is the same 'Resilience' cultivar grown on and pre-clipped into a squared upright panel rather than a bushy shrub. Placed side by side, the units give a finished formal hedge on the day they go in. It costs more than the shrub form because the clipping and the growing-on time are already done for you.
How tall does Syzygium 'Resilience' grow?
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' grows to 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-4 metre clipped hedge.
How fast does Resilience grow?
Resilience is fast-growing, adding 60cm to 1 metre per year once established, making it one of the quickest hedges to fill in.
Is Syzygium 'Resilience' psyllid resistant?
Yes. 'Resilience' is a psyllid-resistant lilly pilly cultivar, which is the main reason it outperforms older Syzygium varieties and holds clean, unblemished foliage.
Is Resilience good for hedging and screening?
Yes. Resilience is one of the most popular hedging and screening lilly pillies in NSW and QLD, valued for its dense growth, glossy foliage, and excellent response to pruning.
How far apart should I plant Resilience for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre for a more relaxed screen. Tall Square Form units are placed edge to edge, so the line is closed from day one.
Is Resilience an Australian native?
Yes. Syzygium australe is an Australian native, and 'Resilience' is a selected cultivar valued for its psyllid resistance and compact growth.
Where does Resilience grow best in Australia?
Resilience thrives across most Australian climates, performing best in temperate to subtropical regions. It is drought tolerant once established and attracts native birds.
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
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