Fast-Growing Australian Native Hedge Plants: 44 Picks for a Sensational Garden

Overview

Fast-growing Australian native hedge plants offer a brilliant solution for gardeners to quickly establish lush, attractive boundaries. These plants transform a bland outdoor space into an inviting sanctuary.

Whether you seek to soften hardscapes, block unwanted views, or attract birds and pollinators, fast-growing Australian native hedge plants deliver a rapid result, resilience, and visual appeal.

We handpicked 44 top-performing species to help you create a marvellous hedge tailored to specific growing conditions and garden styles. If you need more help with planting success, you can review some growing tips here.

Top 44 fast-growing Australian native hedge plants

1. Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosmary)

Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as Coastal Rosemary, is a tough, fast-growing native shrub that grows to 2 metres tall, highly prized for its dense foliage and compact growth.

Native to coastal regions of eastern Australia, this versatile plant is beloved for its neat, compact form, beautiful grey-green leaves, and delicate, pale mauve to white flowers that appear throughout the year. It is extremely low-maintenance, tolerates salt spray, wind, and drought. This species is an excellent responder to pruning and is ideal for both formal and informal hedges.

With many hybrids available, each plant comes in different sizes, offering specific ornamental qualities to meet landscaping needs. Hybrids such as ‘Wynyabbie Gem’, ‘Naringa’, ‘Blue Gem’, ‘Jarvis Gem’ and ‘Glabra Cadabra’ are all excellent options for hedging.

2. Westringia glabra (Violet Westringia)

Westringia glabra, or Violet Westringia, is also an attractive, fast-growing, compact shrub, suitable for low to medium-height hedges to 1.5 metres. Distinct from Westringia fruticosa, its foliage is deep green, broader and smooth in texture.

Native to eastern and southeastern Australia, it’s a tough performer that delivers dense and compact growth. Similar to Westringia fruticosa, it is also incredibly hardy. It can tolerate drought, moderate frost, and coastal conditions. However, this plant can struggle in heavier soils.

This plant produces delicate mauve to lavender flowers throughout the year, especially in spring and summer, adding colour and attracting bees. Westringia ‘Glabra Cadabra’, a hybrid with Westringia fruticosa, is a strong performer that produces masses of stunning mauve flowers.

3. Callistomen viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush)

Callistemon viminalis, or Weeping Bottlebrush, is an excellent choice among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants. The plant is highly desired for its attractive form, floral beauty, hardiness, and wildlife appeal.

Known for its pendulous branches, soft leaves, and brilliant red, brush-like flowers, this species creates striking, fast-forming hedges that provide excellent privacy and year-round interest. Although the species performs best in warmer and more humid climates, it is well adapted to cooler and drier regions.

Callistemon viminalis offers many varieties with unique heights (1 – 4 metres), flower colours, and forms, making it suitable for various garden settings. For instance, ‘Captain Cook’ and ‘Hannah Ray’ cultivars feature stunning, bright red flowers. ‘Slim’ features narrow and compact growth to 3 metres, perfect for tight planting spaces.

4. Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus, commonly known as the Crimson Bottlebrush or Lemon Bottlebrush, is a bold, fast-growing native perfect for creating a vibrant, living hedge.

Growing to around 2 – 4 metres tall, depending on the variety and pruning, Callistemon citrinus forms a dense and upright hedge with narrow, rigid, pointed green leaves and a robust upright branching habit. It’s ideal for medium to tall screens.

This species has several popular cultivars with varying sizes, flower colours, and growth habits. Regular pruning after flowering encourages denser growth and more blooms. It is highly suitable for temperate regions with cooler climates.

Popular compact cultivars, including ‘Kings Park Special’, ‘Endeavour’, and ‘Mauve Mist’, all feature vibrant flowers, adding fantastic seasonal colours among the dense green foliage.

5. Callistemon salignus (Willow Bottlebrush)

Callistemon salignus (syn. Melaleuca salicina) is one of the lesser-known, fast-growing Australian native hedge plants. Also known as the Willow Bottlebrush, it is a distinctive native shrub or small tree that makes a superb hedge or screen.

Known for its graceful, willow-like foliage and soft flower colours, this species forms a unique dense screen that adds natural elegance to your garden. The creamy-white to soft pink flowers emerge mainly in spring and summer, subtly brightening the hedge while attracting bees and nectar-loving birds.

Tough and easy to grow, Callistemon salignus is sure to impress. The cultivar ‘Great Balls of Fire’ features brilliantly coloured young foliage in shades of red, orange, and pink before maturing into a rich green. The hedge can be easily maintained under 3 metres.

6. Syzygium australe (Brush Cherry)

Syzygium australe, or Brush Cherry, is perhaps one of the best fast-growing Australian native hedge plants, valued for its dense growth, lush foliage, and adaptability. With the ability to grow quickly and respond well to pruning, it forms a thick, evergreen screen ideal for creating privacy, reducing noise, and adding a vibrant green backdrop to any garden.

Popular varieties like ‘Resilience’, ‘Select Form’, ‘Up And Away’, and ‘Tiny Trev’ come in different shapes and forms, while sharing similar core strengths: fast growth, vibrant new foliage, and low maintenance.

Whether you’re after a low hedge, mid-height screen, or tall privacy wall, Syzygium australe delivers beauty and reliability, making it a go-to native hedge for modern Australian gardens in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions.

7. Syzygium paniculatum (Magenta Lilly Pilly)

Syzygium paniculatum is prized for its aesthetic appeal. The plant develops lush, evergreen foliage that forms a dense screen, providing excellent privacy. Its upright and compact growth habit is ideal for tight, medium-height hedges.

The plant’s glossy green leaves emerge with a flush of copper or bronze tones, adding seasonal interest. Syzygium paniculatum produces small, fluffy white flowers and attractive magenta red berries that draw in birds and pollinators.

The ‘Backyard Bliss’ cultivar is a top choice for gardeners wanting all the benefits in a refined package. Bred for vigorous, upright growth, this variety features bright lime-green new foliage, excellent psyllid resistance, and a neat, narrow form up to 4 metres tall, perfect for creating instant green walls in modern gardens.

8. Acmena Smithii (Lilly Pilly)

Acmena smithii (syn. Syzygium acmena) is a standout choice among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants. It features dense foliage, vibrant new growth, and excellent resilience. The versatile plant adapts well to a range of climates and conditions, making it a reliable performer in urban and rural gardens.

This species is psyllid-resistant. It also tolerates some salinity, and hence is suitable for coastal planting. Acmena smithii responds well to regular pruning and, with finer leaves, it can be easily shaped into immaculate formal hedges and screening walls.

Its glossy green leaves are beautifully offset by flushes of bronze, pink or red new growth, bringing fantastic colour during the growing season. The plant also produces abundant, small, cream-coloured, fluffy flowers in spring and summer, followed by purple berries that are bird-attracting and edible.

Several excellent varieties are cultivated specifically for hedging, such as ‘Allyn Magic’, ‘Forest Flame’, ‘Cherry Surprise’, ‘Fire Screen’, and ‘Purple Rain’, offering a range of sizes (0.8 – 7 metres in height), growth habits, and colours to suit different garden needs.

9. Waterhousea floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly)

If you are fascinated by deep green, weeping foliage, look no further! Waterhousea floribunda (syn. Syzygium floribundum), or Weeping Lilly Pilly, is a favourite for hedging and screening in larger gardens.

Among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants, Weeping Lilly Pilly is perhaps the most elegant in its natural form. When regularly pruned, it adapts beautifully to a compact and manageable hedge up to 4 – 8 metres tall. It produces small, white, fragrant flowers in summer, followed by pinkish berries that attract birds and other wildlife.

Weeping Lilly Pilly thrives in moist, well-drained soils and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. While it naturally occurs in regions with temperate and subtropical climates along the coast, it adapts well to drier inland gardens with moderate rainfall.

10. Correa alba (White Correa)

Correa alba, commonly known as White Correa, is a charming Australian native shrub, an excellent fast-growing hedge in coastal and inland gardens. It features dense, grey-green foliage that forms a naturally rounded, bushy shape, ideal for low hedging.

Correa alba is one of the best fast-growing Australian native hedge plants due to its hardiness and adaptability. It can thrive in harsh conditions, including direct coastal exposure, extended drought, and poor soils. The plant is highly responsive to pruning.

There are also several selected forms and varieties of Correa alba to suit different landscaping needs. Cultivars like ‘Compact Form’ are suitable for low garden borders, while the original species can reach 1.5 – 2 metres.

11. Correa glabra (Rock Correa)

When seeking the resilient beauty among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants, you cannot go past Rock Correa (Correa glabra). In its native range, this plant thrives in semi-arid conditions, experiencing hot, dry summers and fluctuating rainfall.

Correa glabra forms a rounded, bushy shape with smooth, dark green leaves that create a rich, evergreen backdrop. Its foliage is pleasantly aromatic, especially when crushed. Another highlight is its beautiful tubular flowers, which are highly attractive to birds, particularly honeyeaters.

With impressive hardiness, Rock Correa is highly drought-tolerant. Its resilience allows it to establish quickly and perform reliably with minimal care. Its tough, adaptable nature, rooted in its native habitat, makes Correa glabra an excellent choice for a fast-growing, low-maintenance hedge in a height of 1 – 2 metres.

12. Eremophila nivea (Silky Emu Bush)

Eremophila nivea, or Silky Emu Bush, is the most unusual and eye-catching among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants due to its silvery-grey foliage and vibrant purple flowers.

The species originates from the semi-arid inland regions of Western Australia, where conditions are hot, dry, and often harsh. This natural environment has shaped Eremophila nivea into a remarkably hardy plant, well-adapted to drought, high sun exposure, and poor, sandy soils.

As a fast-growing shrub, Eremophila nivea is highly responsive to pruning and can quickly form a dense, upright hedge. There are several stunning hybrids involving Eremophila nivea. ‘Pink Pantha’ and ‘Beryl’s Blue’ are ideal hedging species that can reach 2 metres tall.

13. Eremophila maculata (Spotted Emu Bush)

Speaking of native shrubs that grow in extreme conditions, Eremophila maculata (Spotted Emu Bush) comes to mind. This plant is widespread across inland arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, where extreme temperatures, low rainfall, and poor soils are common.

This rugged origin has endowed Eremophila maculata with exceptional hardiness and an ability to thrive in challenging conditions. In cultivation, the plant is highly valued for its drought resistance and capacity to thrive in various soil types.

Spotted Emu Bush is a true gem amongst fast-growing Australian native hedge plants. Eremophila maculata subsp. brevifolia is a subspecies that features attractive, rounder leaves. Many cultivars and hybrids offer attractive foliage and flowers, often reaching 2 – 2.5 meters tall.

14. Eremophila glabra (Common Emu Bush)

Eremophila glabra is another hardy native bush that spreads across mainland Australia. The tough inland habitats are characterised by poor soils, high heat, and low, erratic rainfall, shaping this plant into the hardiest species among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants.

Thanks to its rugged origin, Eremophila glabra is exceptionally drought-tolerant. It forms dense foliage that responds well to pruning, perfect for shaping into a tidy hedge. Its strong performance in low-maintenance and water-wise landscapes makes it a favourite among gardeners and landscapers.

The species can adopt a prostrate or upright form depending on the varieties. The original species can reach 3 metres, with some subspecies and cultivars often growing 1 – 2 metres tall.

15. Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree)

Leptospermum laevigatum, commonly known as Coast Tea Tree, is a hardy and fast-growing Australian native shrub or small tree that serves exceptionally well as a screening or hedging plant, especially in coastal and exposed areas.

This plant is naturally adapted to harsh, wind-swept environments, making it an ideal choice for creating tough, resilient hedges. The small, rounded leaves are dense, creating a thick canopy that offers excellent privacy and wind protection. In spring to early summer, it produces a profusion of creamy-white flowers that contrast beautifully against the foliage and attract pollinators like bees.

Growing rapidly to around 3 – 5 metres tall and wide, the plant responds well to regular pruning, allowing it to be shaped into a neat hedge or left more natural for a softer, informal screen. The ‘Fore Shore’ cultivar is a striking, compact, low-growing form, suitable for border planting.

16. Leptospermum brachyandrum (Weeping Tea Tree)

Leptospermum brachyandrum, or Weeping Tea Tree, is a striking Australian native that makes an excellent choice for a feature screen or informal hedge. The graceful, willow-like weeping foliage is its signature trait.

Originating from subtropical and tropical zones, it naturally thrives along waterways and floodplains, which reflects its ability to tolerate periodic wet conditions. It is one of the few fast-growing Australian native hedge plants that can thrive in poorly drained soils.

This elegant tree typically grows 4 – 6 metres tall. While it can withstand periods of drought, it benefits from regular watering, especially in the early years after planting and during hot, dry spells. Once established, it can tolerate drier conditions, but regular watering is still beneficial. 

17. Leptospermum petersonii (Lemon-scented Tea Tree)

Leptospermum petersonii, commonly known as the Lemon-scented Tea Tree, is a fast-growing shrub native to the East Coast of Australia. It thrives in cool and warm temperate climates.

The vigorous growth rate and dense, upright habit make it ideal for quickly establishing a privacy hedge up to 4 – 5 metres in height. The standout feature of Leptospermum petersonii is its soft, narrow, green foliage, which releases a refreshing citrus fragrance when brushed or crushed, making it a sensory delight in the garden.

From spring to summer, it blooms with small, white, dainty flowers, providing seasonal visual interest and attracting bees and beneficial insects. Its adaptability, fragrance, and resilience make it a favourite for both formal and informal hedging.

18. Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium is a well-known species by beekeepers due to its role in Manuka honey production. This hardy, fast-growing native shrub is ideal for hedging due to its aesthetic appeal, fast growth and adaptability.

The species develops fine, dark, coppery green, aromatic foliage. Small, beautiful, white or pink flowers emerge en masse in late winter through spring, adding seasonal interest. Typically growing to 2 – 4 metres tall, the plant responds well to pruning, making it easy to shape into a formal or informal hedge.

The plant has many stunning varieties that vary in size, growth habit, foliage and flowers. Cultivars like ‘Burgundy Queen’ and ‘Red Damask’ feature brilliant double flowers in deep red and can reach 2 – 3 metres.

19. Leptospermum obovatum (River Tea Tree)

One of the best fast-growing Australian native hedge plants is Leptospermum obovatum, or River Tea Tree. It is a vigorous, adaptable shrub that originates from the Southeast of Mainland Australia.

The species has a very dense and upright growth habit and quickly forms a bushy screen of 2 – 4 metres in height. The original plant has small, aromatic, dark green leaves, creating a lush, fine-textured appearance. Masses of small white flowers appear in spring and summer.

This species handles a range of conditions, from moist soils to dry periods once established. It tolerates light frost and responds well to pruning. The ‘Starry Night’ cultivar is an eye-catching specimen with striking dark purple foliage, growing to 2 – 3 metres.

20. Leptospermum polygalifolium (Yellow Tea Tree)

Leptospermum polygalifolium (Yellow Tea Tree) is a popular Australian native shrub valued for its beauty, hardiness, and adaptability. Typically growing 1 – 3 metres tall, this fast-growing tea tree is highly suitable for establishing screening with a low to medium height.

The species is a low-fuss performer, highly tolerant of coastal winds, poor soils and drought. It also responds well to pruning. The leaves of the original species are aromatic, small, narrow, and light green with a yellow tinge. It produces small white or cream flowers, usually in spring and early summer.

This plant has several fabulous cultivars. ‘Pacific Beauty’ (syn. Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. tropicum, Leptospermum flavescens) features stunning cascading branches. ‘Copper Glow’ is clothed in magnificent bronze-copper coloured foliage.

21. Leptospermum morrisonii (Morrison’s Tea Tree)

The last tea tree among our fast-growing Australian native hedge plants is Leptospermum morrisonii. It is a resilient shrub with a high tolerance of neglect. Known for its dense growth, attractive foliage, and adaptability, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a visually appealing screen.

The plant typically reaches 2 – 4 metres in height, with an upright and bushy form. It features aromatic, dense, dark green or bluish green foliage and profuse cream-white flowers in spring. This species is highly tolerant of tough conditions, including poor soils, dry spells, and coastal winds. Once established, it requires little care beyond occasional shaping.

It suits both informal hedging for naturalistic gardens and more formal settings where regular pruning is used to maintain a desirable size. ‘Burgundy’ is a standout cultivar known for its rich, burgundy-toned leaves.

22. Dodonaea viscosa (Hop Bush)

One of the most adaptable, toughest, fast-growing Australian native hedge plants is Dodonaea viscosa, also known as Hop Bush. With a natural tendency to form dense, upright growth and a reputation for resilience, it’s a top pick for hedging.

This plant is extremely hardy. It tolerates poor soil, drought, salt-laden winds, and even frost. It’s ideal for coastal gardens, dry inland areas, and anywhere you need a low-maintenance screen that can take a beating.

Dodonaea viscosa grows quickly to 2 – 4 metres. With a naturally columnar shape and good response to pruning, it is easy to train into a formal hedge or screen or maintain its natural form to soften hardscapes. Notable cultivars like ‘Mr Green Sheen’ and ‘Purpurea’ feature striking bright green and burgundy-purple leaves, respectively.

23. Kunzea baxteri (Crimson Kunzea)

Kunzea baxteri, or Scarlet Kunzea, is a striking native shrub known for its bold red flowers and dense growth. Native to Western Australia, it has gained popularity as a fast-growing hedge or screen plant.

This plant typically reaches 2 – 4 metres in height and has a naturally upright, bushy form, with small, narrow, and slightly aromatic leaves. With regular pruning, it forms a thick, structured hedge that offers privacy. The plant produces a profusion of eye-catching, large, bright red, bottlebrush-like flowers.

With high adaptability, the plant tolerates drought, lime, salt, high wind, and light frost. As a hedge, it’s best planted in full sun for maximum flowering and bushiness. Regular light pruning after flowering helps maintain a neat shape while encouraging more blooms the following season.

24. Melaleuca linariifolia (Snow In Summer)

Melaleuca linariifolia is a robust and fast-growing native shrub or small tree well-suited to hedging and screening. True to its common name ‘Snow In Summer’, it produces profuse, fluffy white flowers in early to mid-summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

This highly resilient species is tolerant of both dry and boggy conditions. It adapts to poor and heavy soils and can tolerate some soil salinity and salt spray in the coastal areas. It thrives in heavy, compact soils prone to waterlogging, a condition most native hedging plants might struggle with.

Melaleuca linariifolia can grow to 8 – 10 metres tall if left unpruned. It naturally adopts a dense, upright habit, which makes it excellent for tall hedges. Cutivars like ‘Snow Storm’, ‘Seafoam’, and ‘Claret Tops’ are small, compact varieties with striking colours of new growth.

25. Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah)

Melaleuca lanceolata, or Moonah, is a rugged and beautiful Australian native shrub that makes an excellent fast-growing hedge. Known for its durable foliage and attractive flowers, it’s ideal for those wanting a hedge that blends visual appeal with low-maintenance and sustainability.

Native to coastal and inland regions across southern Australia, it’s valued for its growth speed, density, and ability to handle some of the harshest growing conditions. It is highly tolerant of drought, frost, poor soils, and coastal conditions.

The greatest features are its unique, blue- or grey-green foliage and spectacular bottlebrush-like, creamy white or yellow flowers in spring and summer. It typically grows to 7 – 8 metres as a small tree. When regularly pruned, it forms an attractive, solid hedge, perfect for privacy screening.

26. Melaleuca nasophila (Showy Honey Myrtle)

Melaleuca nesophila, commonly known as Showy Honey Myrtle, is a striking Australian native shrub that delivers both speed and style as a screen plant. It grows rapidly, reaching 3 to 5 metres in height, with a rounded, dense habit, ideal for tall hedges.

Distinct from other fast-growing Australian native hedge plants, Melaleuca nesophila produces eye-catching, mauve to purple, spherical flowers, resembling fluffy pom poms. Its leaves are soft, small, elliptical, bright or dark green.

This plant is particularly valuable in dry or coastal gardens where other species might struggle. ‘Little Nessie’ is a compact cultivar, growing to 1.5 metres tall. ‘Narrow Nessie’ has an upright, narrow habit, reaching 3 metres.

27. Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle)

Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle) is one of the most planted melaleucas. It is a tough shrub or small tree that can quickly reach a decent height, forming a dense wall of foliage. It is notably useful in exposed sites where resilience and fast coverage are needed.

The species grows about 4 – 8 metres tall, with an upright and spreading habit, and is highly tolerant of heavy pruning for size or shape. Its foliage is needle-like, dark green, and aromatic, with a fine and soft texture. It produces abundant cream-white, bottlebrush-like flowers in spring and early summer.

Bracelet Honey Myrtle is adaptable to harsh conditions such as coastal salinity, drought, and heavy, poorly drained soils. While it can be weedy in parts of Australia, it remains a valuable native for exposed landscapes and revegetation.

28. Melaleuca fulgens (Scarlet Honey Myrtle)

Melaleuca fulgens, or Scarlet Honey Wattle, is a striking Australian native shrub prized for its vivid flowering and upright, bushy growth. The species is widespread in arid, semi-arid and coastal regions of Australia, reflecting its hardiness and suitability for dry inland and harsh seaside gardens.

Melaleuca fulgens has aromatic, fine, needle-like, and mid-green leaves. Its blossoms are bottlebrush-like and can be scarlet, pink, apricot, mauve, and white, depending on the variety. For instance, ‘Hotpink’ features striking bright pink flowers with golden tips.

Typically reaching 1 – 3 metres in height and width, Melaleuca fulgens is perfect for adding colour and character to hedges or screens in native or low-water landscapes. Regular light pruning after flowering encourages denser growth and more blooms the following season.

29. Acacia cognata (Bower Wattle)

Acacia cognata, or Bower Wattle, is perhaps the most graceful among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants. Known for its narrow, delicate, willow-like foliage and cascading, flowing appearance, it forms an excellent informal screen that softens modern hardscapes.

Endemic to southeastern Australia, Acacia cognata grows as a dense shrub or small tree in dry forests or rocky hills. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to poor soils. Many cultivars also have high tolerance to frost and coastal conditions.

The original species can reach over 6 – 8 metres tall without pruning. Many cultivars, including ‘Burgundy cascade’, ‘Lime Magik’, ‘Copper Tips’, and ‘Green Screen’, are all suitable for forming medium to tall hedges with stunning foliage. ‘Curtain call’ features spectacular cascades of flowers. ‘Waterfall’ features extensive weeping foliage that often reaches the ground.

30. Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle) is another brilliant native shrub or small tree that can grow 7 metres tall. It is highly valued as a hardy, fast-growing Australian native hedge plant, with dense weeping foliage that creates an excellent natural screen.

Native to Southeast Australia, the plant thrives in moist forests. However, it is also found in a range of drier sites sheltered by larger eucalypts. The plant naturally thrives in temperate and Mediterranean climates. While it adapts to drought and poor soils, it thrives best in moist, fertile environments.

Sticky Wattle has attractive, dense, dark green, and slightly sticky leaves (hence its common name). Beautiful spherical flowers emerge in spring, adding seasonal interest to the hedge. The ‘Honey Bun’ cultivar is a low-spreading compact variety, with an interesting bun-like habit, growing to 1 – 1.5 metres in height.

31. Acacia fimbriata (Fringed Wattle)

With a beautiful form and spectacular blossoms, Acacia fimbriata, or Fringed Wattle, is one of the most beautiful fast-growing Australian native hedge plants. Naturally dense, soft-textured, and highly responsive to pruning, it’s perfect for creating an evergreen screen without the heavy maintenance.

It thrives in a wide range of conditions, handling drought, heavy clay, poor soils, and coastal exposure. Once established, it’s very hardy and low-maintenance. Its foliage is fine and feathery. Honey-scented, pale to bright yellow, spherical flowers emerge in profusion from late winter to early spring.

The original Fringed Wattle grows to 6 metres tall. The ‘Dwarf’ cultivar is a smaller and more compact version of the original plant, reaching 2 – 3 metres in height. ‘Crimson Blush’ features a mounding habit and fantastic green foliage with bronze-tipped new growth, reaching 2 metres tall at maturity.

32. Rhagodia spinescens (Spiny Saltbush)

Among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants, Rhagodia spinescens (syn. Chenopodium spinescens), or Spiny Saltbush, is the go-to for the most harsh and difficult sites. It grows rapidly to about 1 – 2 metres in height and width, forming a solid, low-maintenance barrier.

Native to arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, Rhagodia spinescens thrives where many other plants struggle. It’s highly drought-tolerant, copes with salty, nutrient-poor, and compact soils, withstands coastal conditions, and handles frost without a problem.

It has a dense and bushy habit, making it easy to prune into a neat, formal hedge or let grow a little looser for a softer, natural look. The small, grey-green to silvery leaves create a striking colour contrast against other green plants.

33. Rhagodia parabolica (Fragrant Saltbush)

Rhagodia parabolica (syn. Chenopodium parabolica), often called Fragrant Saltbush or Mealy Saltbush, is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets for fast, hardy, and attractive native hedging. Although less widely known than Rhagodia spinescens, it’s a standout performer thanks to its growth speed, toughness, and adaptable growth habit.

Rhagodia parabolica also thrives in a wide range of conditions, from coastal to inland dry gardens. It tolerates drought, poor soils, high salinity, frost, and wind with ease. This hardiness makes it ideal for difficult sites where many other plants fail.

Its foliage is felty, grey-green, and slightly fragrant when crushed. It grows quickly to 2 metres and can be kept neat and tight with light, regular pruning. Left unchecked, it can also form a more natural, flowing hedge.

34. Atriplex nummularia (Old Man Saltbush)

Originating from arid and semi-arid inland regions, Atriplex nummularia (Old Man Saltbush) is built for harsh conditions, making it an outstanding choice for large, low-maintenance screens in challenging sites. This plant is perhaps the toughest among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants.

Atriplex nummularia is all about resilience and speed. It grows and spreads rapidly, reaching 3 metres tall, and forms a dense, spreading shrub. It thrives in extreme conditions: drought, salinity, frost, wind, and poor, heavy or alkaline soils pose no problem. Once established, it barely needs watering and stays evergreen even through the hottest summers.

The plant is highly responsive to pruning. Its foliage is silvery-grey and becomes denser with regular trimming. The plant has a sprawling habit, so hard prune for shape when required.

35. Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Willow Myrtle)

Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’, or Dwarf Willow Myrtle, is one of the most attractive fast-growing Australian native hedge plants. A compact form of the larger Agonis flexuosa, ‘Nana’ keeps all the best features: soft weeping foliage, hardiness, and resilience, but in a much smaller, more manageable size, perfect for structured hedging.

‘Nana’ grows quickly and naturally dense, forming a lush, green screen that responds well to pruning and shaping. The plant features fine, bright green leaves and stunning reddish new growth.

It typically reaches about 2 metres tall, ideal for low to medium-height hedges. The plant is highly drought-tolerant and resistant to coastal winds, making it suitable for both inland and seaside hedges.

36. Grevillea ‘Winpara Gold’

A hybrid between Grevillea olivacea and Grevillea thelemanniana, Grevillea ‘Winpara Gold’ is a fast-growing, bushy Australian native shrub. It is hardy, reliable, and easy to maintain. ‘Winpara Gold’ grows rapidly, reaching about 2 – 3 metres high and wide.

Its dense, fine foliage naturally forms a thick screen that gives excellent privacy while maintaining a soft, lively texture. The plant responds well to pruning, making it easy to keep tight for medium-height hedges. It tolerates drought, moderate frost, coastal conditions, and poor soils.

The real bonus is its bright golden-yellow flowers, which appear in abundance mainly from winter to spring. They attract birds and pollinators while giving the hedge visual energy that most other hedges lack.

37. Grevillea rosmarinifolia (Rosemary Grevillea)

Grevillea rosmarinifolia, or Rosemary Grevillea, is a fast-growing and compact native shrub for low to medium-height hedging (around 1 – 2 metres tall). It forms a dense, bushy screen, responding well to regular pruning that keeps it tidy and encourages even denser growth.

It’s incredibly hardy, handling drought, frost, poor soils, and coastal conditions, and it thrives in regions with cool winters and hot, dry summers. Its leaves are narrow, rosemary-like, and dark green. Its flowers are vibrant clusters of red to pink spider-like flowers, emerging in winter and spring.

With dense growth, drought resistance, fine foliage, and brilliant flowers, Rosemary Grevillea is a top choice for creating low-maintenance screens or hedges that look fabulous and stay lively year-round.

38. Grevillea ‘Peaches and Cream’

Bred from Grevillea banksii and Grevillea bipinnatifida, ‘Peaches And Cream’ is a tough, adaptable, and striking hybrid, making it a favourite for both home gardens and larger landscapes. This plant reaches about 1.5 – 2 metres tall and wide, forming a thick, lush shrub perfect for low to medium hedges.

The foliage is attractive, bright green and finely divided. A standout feature is its bicoloured, large flowers, featuring creamy yellow tips that transition to peach and pink. These vibrant flowers also attract birds and pollinators, turning a simple hedge into a lively, dynamic part of the garden.

‘Peaches and Cream’ has a dense, bushy growth habit and responds well to pruning, making it easy to shape into neat lines or soft, informal screens. The plant handles drought and coastal conditions and thrives in various soils.

39. Hakea salicifolia (Willow-leaved Hakea)

Native to coastal and nearby regions of eastern Australia, Hakea salicifolia, commonly called Willow-leaved Hakea, is prized for its rapid growth, dense foliage, and ability to thrive in a wide range of challenging conditions. This hardy plant is one of the best fast-growing Australian native hedge plants.

Hakea salicifolia grows fast, easily reaching 3 – 5 metres tall, making it ideal for tall privacy screens, windbreaks, and boundary plantings. The real strength is its toughness. It handles drought, coastal winds, moderate frosts, and various soil types.

It is naturally dense with an upright habit and responds very well to pruning, allowing it to be shaped into neat, formal lines or left slightly loose for a more natural screen. The signature trait of this plant is its striking bronze or pinkish red new growth, adding significant visual interest in the growing season.

40. Hakea laurina (Pincushion Hakea)

For gardeners wanting a hardy and visually striking native hedge, Hakea laurina is a top pick. The plant is known for its toughness, attractive form, and unique flowering. Hakea laurina forms a dense, upright shrub to 3 – 6 metres.

It is highly adaptable, handling drought and various soil types, from sand to clay. With bluish-green, leathery, spear-shaped leaves, the plant has a clean and attractive modern look. When pruned regularly from a young age, Hakea laurina thickens up beautifully, forming an impressive green wall.

The species features spectacular, round, pincushion-like blooms in pink and cream from autumn to winter. These flowers not only add a striking ornamental feature but also attract birds and pollinators, making the hedge lively and functional.

41. Adenanthos sericeus (Woolly Bush)

Endemic to the south coast of Western Australia, Adenanthos sericeus, or Woolly Bush, is a fantastic shrub for creating beautiful, low-maintenance screens with an unbeatable visual softness that few other natives offer. Concerning form and style, it is perhaps the most unique among fast-growing Australian native hedge plants.

Adenanthos sericeus grows quickly, reaching 2 – 5 metres depending on the conditions. It is naturally dense, upright and responds well to shaping. The plant features silky, silvery or grey-green foliage with a fluffy texture, which not only looks beautiful but feels soft, adding a sensory element when established as a hedge.

This hardy species is highly adaptable. It is highly drought-tolerant and grows in various soil types with adequate drainage. It withstands salt-laden winds and salty soils and is ideal for coastal gardens. Its cultivars, such as ‘Silver Streak’ and ‘Bronze Glow’, offer striking selections with varying foliage colours.

42. Leionema ‘Green Screen’ (Phebalium)

Leionema ‘Green Screen’ is one of the most promising fast-growing Australian native hedge plants that grow in shade. Developed specifically for landscape use, this compact, evergreen shrub offers dense growth, soft foliage, and a tidy appearance, ideal for low to medium hedges.

As the hybrid of Leionema elatius and Leionema lamprophyllum, the plant typically grows to 2 metres in height. The foliage is small, dark green, glossy, and elliptical, giving the plant a fine-textured, modern look. In spring and summer, the plant produces profuse, delicate clusters of white, star-shaped flowers, forming a spectacle.

This hybrid loves dappled or partial shade and is highly drought-tolerant. True to its name, ‘Green Screen’ forms a thick, lush green wall with minimal fuss. It responds very well to pruning, which makes it easy to keep tidy and well-shaped as a formal hedge or an informal screen.

43. Phebalium squamulosum (Scaly Phebalium)

Found naturally across eastern and southeastern Australia, Phebalium squamulosum (Scaly Phebalium) is a hardy shrub that brings texture, scent and colour. It is one of the lesser-known, but excellent, fast-growing Australian native hedge plants.

In its habitats, it thrives as an understory shrub in dappled shade. However, this plant can flourish in full sun. Typically growing 2 – 3 metres tall, this drought-hardy plant forms a dense, upright shrub and responds excellently to pruning.

Its leaves are small and scented, oblong or elliptical, leathery, mid to dark or olive green, and coated with fine scales on the underside. One standout feature is its masses of small, star-like cream to pale yellow flowers that add brightness and life to the garden during cooler months.

44. Philotheca myoporoides (Long-leaf Wax Flower)

The last of our fast-growing Australian native hedge plants is Philotheca myoporoides, also known as Long-leaf Wax Flower. This hardy plant handles tough conditions like drought, frost, and coastal conditions. It thrives in full sun or light shade.

Growing 2 metres tall, Philotheca myoporoides forms a compact, upright shrub that lends itself well to low or medium-height hedging. Its foliage is aromatic, small, oblong, waxy, and dark green, held densely along the stems. Masses of white, star-shaped flowers emerge in late winter and spring.

Several named forms and selections of Philotheca myoporoides have been developed for garden use. ‘Profusion’, ‘Flower girl’, ‘Top Cut’, ‘Moon shadow’, and ‘Bournda Beauty’ are all compact cultivars suitable for hedging.

Final words

Fast-growing Australian native hedge plants offer a smart, sustainable solution for creating beautiful, tough screens in gardens and landscapes. Choosing the right native species for hedging supports local biodiversity, reduces water use, and minimises maintenance.

Whether you want the silver softness of Adenanthos, the colourful flowers of Grevillea, the natural flowing looks of Acacia and Leptospermum, or the thick, green wall of Lilly Pilly, there’s a fast-growing Australian native hedge to match every need.

As the demand for sustainable and climate-resilient gardens rises, fast-growing Australian native hedge plants offer a perfect blend of beauty, resilience, and practical function for contemporary gardens and modern landscapes.