Best Hedging Plants
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Best Hedging Plants
Choosing the right hedging plant is one of the most important decisions in garden design. A well-chosen hedge creates privacy, defines boundaries, blocks wind, and adds structure to your outdoor space. A poor choice results in thin coverage, high maintenance, and a garden that never quite feels finished.
The challenge is that not all hedging plants perform the same. Some grow fast but lack density. Others look great but require constant pruning. Some work well in the ground but fail completely in pots.
This guide ranks the best hedging plants, explains where each one performs best, and gives you practical advice to help you choose the right option for your garden, whether you are planting in the ground or using large garden pots.
What Makes a Hedging Plant “The Best”?
Before ranking plants, it’s important to understand what actually makes a hedge effective.
The best hedging plants share these traits:
• Dense foliage for privacy
• Strong response to pruning
• Consistent growth
• Evergreen coverage
• Adaptability to different environments
• Manageable maintenance requirements
A plant that lacks density will never form a proper screen, no matter how fast it grows.
#1 Best Overall Hedging Plant: Lilly Pilly
Lilly pilly is widely considered the best all-round hedging plant, especially in Australian conditions.
It consistently outperforms other plants because it offers the ideal combination of density, growth, and versatility.
Why Lilly Pilly Is the Top Choice
Lilly pillies naturally produce dense foliage, and when pruned correctly, they become even thicker. This makes them one of the most reliable plants for creating privacy.
Key benefits:
• Extremely dense growth
• Fast and reliable establishment
• Excellent response to pruning
• Evergreen year-round
• Suitable for formal or informal hedges
Unlike many other plants, lilly pillies actually improve with regular trimming. Each cut encourages more branching, which leads to a thicker hedge over time.
Best Uses for Lilly Pilly
• Privacy screens
• Boundary hedges
• Formal structured hedges
• Hedging in large garden pots
• Modern and traditional landscapes
Lilly pilly is also the best choice if you are creating a hedge using large outdoor pots or fiberglass pots, as it tolerates root restriction better than most plants.
#2 Viburnum: Best Fast-Growing Hedge
If speed is your priority, viburnum is one of the fastest-growing hedging plants available.
It quickly establishes and fills space, making it ideal for new gardens.
Why Choose Viburnum
• Fast growth rate
• Easy to grow
• Large leaf coverage
• Quick privacy results
Limitations
Viburnum can become loose and less structured if not pruned regularly. It does not always produce the same tight, dense finish as lilly pilly.
Best Use
• Large gardens
• Quick screening
• Low-effort hedges
#3 Murraya: Best for Fragrance and Soft Hedges
Murraya, also known as mock orange, is popular for its scented white flowers and soft foliage.
Features
• Dense growth
• Highly fragrant flowers
• Evergreen
• Softer, more natural appearance
Best Use
• Courtyards
• Entryways
• Outdoor entertaining areas
Murraya works well where scent and atmosphere are important.
#4 Photinia: Best for Colour Contrast
Photinia is known for its vibrant red new growth, which creates strong visual contrast.
Benefits
• Fast growth
• Unique colour
• Good hedge structure
Best Use
• Feature hedges
• Modern landscapes
• Colour-focused designs
#5 Westringia: Best Low-Maintenance Native Hedge
Westringia is a hardy Australian native that thrives in difficult conditions.
Features
• Drought tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Coastal resistant
• Soft grey-green foliage
Best Use
• Coastal gardens
• Informal hedges
• Low-maintenance landscapes
#6 Callistemon (Bottlebrush): Best Flowering Native Hedge
Callistemon provides a hedge with visual interest through bright flowers.
Features
• Hardy and drought resistant
• Attracts birds
• Native plant option
Best Use
• Native gardens
• Wildlife-friendly landscapes
• Informal hedges
Best Hedging Plants for Pots
Growing hedges in pots is becoming increasingly popular, especially in courtyards, balconies, and modern outdoor spaces.
However, most hedging plants do not perform well in containers.
#1 Best Hedge for Pots: Lilly Pilly
Lilly pilly is the clear winner for container hedging.
Why:
• Handles root restriction
• Maintains density in pots
• Responds well to pruning
• Suitable for large planters
Pot Setup for Success
To grow a thick hedge in pots:
• Use large garden pots (critical)
• Ensure good drainage
• Use high-quality potting mix
• Feed regularly
Small pots will limit growth and prevent proper density.
Comparison Table (Quick Overview)
| Plant | Density | Growth Speed | Maintenance | Pots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilly Pilly | Excellent | Fast | Medium | Excellent |
| Viburnum | Good | Very Fast | Low | Poor |
| Murraya | Good | Medium | Medium | Moderate |
| Photinia | Medium | Fast | Medium | Poor |
| Westringia | Medium | Medium | Low | Moderate |
| Callistemon | Medium | Medium | Low | Moderate |
Best Hedging Plants for Privacy
If your goal is privacy, density matters more than speed.
Top picks:
• Lilly pilly – best overall
• Viburnum – fast coverage
• Murraya – softer dense hedge
Fastest Growing Hedges
If speed is your priority:
• Viburnum
• Lilly pilly
• Photinia
Fast growth must be managed with pruning to maintain density.
Low Maintenance Hedging Plants
For minimal upkeep:
• Westringia
• Viburnum
• Callistemon
These require less frequent trimming but may not be as dense.
Planting Guide for Thick Hedges
To achieve a dense hedge:
• Plant at correct spacing
• Improve soil before planting
• Water consistently
• Begin pruning early
Spacing too wide delays density. Too close causes competition.
Maintenance Schedule
Spring
• Fertilise
• Begin pruning
• Encourage new growth
Summer
• Maintain watering
• Continue trimming
• Monitor stress
Autumn
• Light pruning
• Maintain shape
Winter
• Minimal pruning
• Prepare for growth season
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Choosing the wrong plant
• Letting hedge grow tall before trimming
• Poor watering habits
• Ignoring soil quality
• Incorrect spacing
These mistakes lead to thin, uneven hedges.
How to Make Any Hedge Thicker
Regardless of plant type:
• Prune regularly
• Feed consistently
• Maintain tapered shape
• Ensure good light exposure
These principles apply to all hedging plants.
Using Hedges in Garden Design
Hedges are not just functional — they are structural elements.
They can:
• Frame outdoor spaces
• Create privacy zones
• Add height and depth
• Improve overall layout
Combining hedges with large garden pots creates a layered and professional look.
Final Ranking
Best Overall
Lilly pilly
Best for Speed
Viburnum
Best for Pots
Lilly pilly
Best for Fragrance
Murraya
Best for Colour
Photinia
Best Low Maintenance
Westringia
Final Thoughts
While many plants can be used for hedging, lilly pilly stands out as the best overall choice.
It offers the ideal balance of:
• density
• growth
• versatility
• suitability for pots
Whether you are building a privacy screen, designing a courtyard, or creating structure in a modern landscape, choosing the right hedging plant will determine how successful your garden looks and performs.