Hedges have been a part of the landscape for centuries, and in our climate, native hedges do make an excellent choice in many situtations.
Some can be pruned to a formal type of hedge, some are best left as an informal hedge and many will flower, providing masses of colour.
Plant s such as Lilly Pillies are well recognised as being suited for hedging and screening, however many other species also work well.
Australian native hedges are a practical and attractive way to create privacy, reduce wind, and support local wildlife. With the right plant selection, native hedges are low maintenance, drought tolerant, and well suited to local conditions.
From formal clipped hedges to informal flowering screens, there are native options to suit most gardens.
Choosing the Right Native Hedge
Selecting the right species depends on climate, soil, and the purpose of the hedge.
Formal vs Informal Hedges
- Formal hedges: Regular pruning required, dense growth (Syzygium, Acmena, Murraya).
- Informal hedges: Natural shape, lower maintenance (Grevillea, Callistemon, Leptospermum).
Height and Growth Rate
- Fast-growing: Lilly pilly, Callistemon, some Grevillea species.
- Compact or dwarf: Westringia, Austromyrtus, dwarf Syzygium cultivars.
Fast Growing Australian Native Hedging Plants
- Syzygium australe (Lilly Pilly): Dense, fast, ideal for screening.
- Callistemon (Bottlebrush): Fast growth, bird-attracting flowers.
- Acmena smithii: Reliable and easy to prune.
- Grevillea species: Fast, informal hedges with flowers.
Narrow Growing Native Screening Plants
- Syzygium ‘Straight and Narrow’
- Callistemon ‘Slim’
- Acmena ‘Allyn Magic’
- Westringia ‘Grey Box’
These are ideal for tight spaces and boundary planting.
Best Australian Native Hedging Plants
- Syzygium australe: Versatile and widely used.
- Westringia fruticosa: Hardy, coastal tolerant.
- Callistemon viminalis: Attractive and adaptable.
- Leptospermum laevigatum: Tough and wind resistant.
- Backhousia citriodora: Fragrant foliage, suitable in warm climates.
- Waterhousia floribunda is a graceful native screening plant with a soft weeping habit and glossy foliage. It is a strong choice for larger gardens where a fast-growing bird-friendly screen is needed
Small Native Hedging Plants
- Syzygium ‘Tiny Trev’
- Acmena ‘Allyn Magic’
- Westringia dampieri
- Austromyrtus dulcis
- Acacia cognata varieties such as Mini Cog ( and Limelight offer a finer texture and suits smaller gardens, narrow borders, and informal hedging. It prefers free-draining soil, good air circulation, and regular pruning if used as a hedge
Acacia cognata varieties such as Mini Cog ( and Limelight offer a finer texture and suits smaller gardens, narrow borders, and informal hedging. It prefers free-draining soil, good air circulation, and regular pruning if used as a hedge
Ideal for low borders or formal edging.
Growing And Planting Native hedges
Soil Preparation and Planting
Good soil preparation improves growth and reduces maintenance.
- Improve soil with compost and well-rotted organic matter.
- Ensure free-draining soil; most natives dislike waterlogging.
- Use a native fertiliser low in phosphorus.
Planting Time
- Best planted in autumn or spring.
- Avoid extreme heat or frost periods.
Spacing Guide
- Small hedges: 30–50 cm apart.
- Medium hedges: 50–100 cm apart.
- Large screens: 1–1.5 m apart.
Companion Plants
Pair hedging plants with species that share similar conditions.
- Grevillea with Callistemon for bird-friendly gardens.
- Westringia with coastal grasses for low-maintenance borders.
- Syzygium with Lomandra or Dianella for layered planting.
Practical Maintenance Tips
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and density.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water deeply during establishment.
- Monitor for psyllids on Lilly Pilly and treat early if needed.
List of Plants for Native Hedges
- Callistemon
- Westringia
- Acmena
- Syzygium
- Backhousia citriodora
- Austromyrtus dulcis
- Gymnostoma
- Grevillea
- Leptospermum
- Xanthostemon
- Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra ‘Red Cottonwood’
Available for sale form the following nurseries
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Wea are Asked?
Which native hedge is best for privacy?
Lilly pilly varieties provide dense foliage and excellent screening.
Are native hedges low maintenance?
Yes, once established they require less water and fertiliser than exotics.
Can native hedges be pruned hard?
Many species with lignotubers, such as some Eucalyptus, tolerate hard pruning or coppicing.