IN THIS ARTICLE
Overview
Australian native hedge plants are a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking to create beautiful, sustainable boundaries that add privacy, block wind, define spaces, or attract wildlife.
Each plant has a unique form, colour, and texture. When planted as a hedge, they create distinctive visual appeals that suit different garden styles.
Originating from unique habitats, Australian native hedge plants have growth preferences and varying hardiness and adaptability. With the right selection and care, they are reliable performers that deliver fast, lasting results.
Select the right plant
Selecting the right plant for your hedge is crucial for success. Australian flora contains an incredible variety of native shrubs suitable for hedging. Consider the following when choosing a plant:
- Purpose of your hedge
- Climate
- Soil
Purpose of your hedge
Before choosing the right plant, consider what you’d like your hedge to do and the look and feel of your hedge once established.
Think about the following:
- Function: A privacy screen, wind break, decorative feature, habitat, or noise barrier?
- Size: Length, width and height of your hedge.
- Form: Formal or informal, dense or loose, solid or flowing?
- Colour: Seasonal colours from foliage, flowers or new growth.
- Texture: Foliage size, shape, texture and habit.
Your goals will influence your choice of species.
For instance, Lilly Pilly is highly popular due to its dense growth habit and availability of varieties to fulfil particular aesthetic requirements. Its formal and solid look often draws admiration.
Other plants, such as Acacia, Hakea, and Leptospermum species, are less rigid in form and often planted for their natural flowing appeal that softens the landscape.
Small, dense-growing eucalypts such as Eucalyptus platypus and Eucalyptus utilis are ideal for wildlife habitat. Alyogyne huegelii and Callistemon cultivars feature show-stopping seasonal flowers.
Climate
Climate is a key factor that influences the performance of your hedge. Australian native hedge plants come from various habitats across the continent. Some adapt well to diverse climates, while others thrive in similar conditions.
For example, plants native to arid or inland regions like Eremophila glabara and Dodonea viscosa are well-suited to hot, dry climates. Some native species, like Hakea laurina, dislike humid conditions.
Coastal species like Westringia fruticosa and Corea alba are highly tolerant of salt spray and wind, making them perfect for temperate seaside gardens. These plants, however, can also thrive in dry inland conditions.
Cold-climate gardeners may lean towards alpine species like Grevillea victoriae and Callistemon pityoides. Tropical and subtropical gardeners may opt for Callistemon viminalis and moisture-loving Lilly Pilly.
Soil
Soil is critical for the success of growing Australian native hedge plants. Many native species have evolved to thrive in well-drained, low-nutrient substrates, such as sandy or gravelly soils, while others flourish in more fertile and moist soils.
For example, hedging Grevillea, Banksia, and Adenanthos species thrive in nutrient-poor, free-draining soils. In contrast, Lilly Pilly and some Acacia species perform best in deep, richer, and loamy conditions.
While some are adaptable to alkaline soils, most plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils. Some species (especially natural coastal dwellers) can endure saline soils, while most tolerate slight or little salinity.
Westringia fruticosa, Correa alba, Myoporum insulare, Atriplex (salt bush), and some Banksia species adapt well to saline soils, while most other Australian native hedge plants tolerate mild or little salinity.
Heavy clay soils can be challenging for some native hedge plants due to poor drainage, but others, like Melaleuca, Callistemon and Leptospermum species, are highly adaptable to heavy clay.
Most Australian native hedge plants cannot sustain prolonged waterlogging conditions, but species like Leptospermum scoparium and Leptospermum lanigerum are not bothered by them.
Plan your spacing
Australian native hedge plants come in different sizes and forms. Proper spacing is key to a dense, healthy hedge. Plant too closely, and roots will compete; too far apart, and the hedge will take longer to fill in.
For an informal hedge where the natural form is encouraged, space your plants at a distance equivalent to two-thirds of their mature width. For example, if a plant grows 1.5 metres wide, place them 1 metre apart.
For a formal hedge where the foliage density is paramount, space your plants at a distance equivalent to one-third of the desired height. For example, if you want a 3-meter tall hedge, plant your plants about 1 meter apart.
These, however, are general guides, not rules. Some plants that have an extremely narrow or wide form may require special consideration.
Water wisely
While Australian native hedge plants are drought-tolerant once established, they need regular watering in the first 12 months during establishment.
Water more frequently and deeply in hotter months, especially for plants that originate from temperate zones. Reduce the watering frequency in cooler months.
Most native hedge plants do not tolerate constantly wet soils. Allow soil to dry out slightly, but not completely, between waterings. This allows for good air circulation in the root zone. A good practice is to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Use mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil health. Drip irrigation systems work well for hedges, delivering consistent moisture to the roots with minimal waste.
Prune for shape and density
Pruning is important for maintaining a tidy and shapely hedge. Start tip pruning early to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Remove dead, diseased, or crossed branches to ensure the health and air circulation of the canopy.
Formal hedges formed by Lilly Pilly and Westringia species benefit from regular trimming to maintain size and shape. Informal hedges like Grevillea, Acacia or Leptospermum species may also need occasional pruning for form.
Some native hedge plants are more responsive to pruning than others. The right time for pruning can vary depending on the plant. Avoid pruning when the plant is blooming.
Generally, the best time to prune is late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. If this clashes with its blooming, wait until the plant’s flowers finish.
Additional nutrients
Australian native hedge plants generally need less feeding than exotic species. Most species have evolved to thrive in poor soils without additional nutrients, while others, like Lilly Pilly, perform best in fertile soils.
Young plants can benefit from soil amendment with aged compost and organic matter if planted in nutrient-poor soil. Adding mulch around the plant can increase soil health and enhance soil fertility.
Fertilisation can provide essential elements to promote healthy growth. However, this must be approached with care. A light application of slow-release, balanced fertiliser at the beginning of the growing season often suffices without overwhelming the plant.
Over-fertilising, especially with high-nitrogen products, can lead to excessive, weak growth, increasing the plant’s susceptibility to diseases and environmental stress.
Some native plants are more particular about their nutrient requirements. For example, most Acacia plants are nitrogen fixers and prefer moderately fertile soils. Fertilisers high in nitrogen are unsuitable as they may interfere with the plants’ natural biological process.
Hakea laurina, Hakea salicifolia, Alyogyne huegelii, and many other native species are susceptible to phosphorus toxicity. These plants can only take fertilisers containing minimal or low phosphorus.
Fertilisers are not the only solution for adding nutrients to Australian native hedge plants. Occasional feeding with organic matter like compost, worm castings, or seaweed solution can all provide a gentle nutrient boost while improving soil structure and microbial activity, encouraging steady, resilient growth of your native hedge.
