Want to level up your garden game? We asked an expert to share his thoughts on the best hedge plants in Australia for privacy, shape and non-stop aesthetic appeal.

Andrew Stark is a renowned figure in the horticultural world, celebrated for his spectacular garden designs, extensive plant knowledge, and passion for climate-adaptive gardening. With a career spanning over three decades, Andrew has become a trusted media voice and industry leader. He has an Instagram following of over 216K and a background that includes international garden studies, innovative plant hybridisation, and major appearances at RHS London and heading up next year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

When designing a garden, hedges are more than just decorative elements – they are the structure that brings cohesion, privacy and elegance to your outdoor space.

Thankfully here in Australia, we’re blessed with a climate that accommodates a wide variety of hedge options, from hardy natives to lush, formal evergreens.

Whether you want to frame a garden bed, create a boundary, or simply enhance your landscape, here’s a rundown of the best hedges for Australian homes, sorted by size and function.

Small hedges (under 1.5m)

Small hedges are ideal for creating low borders, edging pathways or adding formality to garden beds. These compact options provide structure without overpowering your space.

Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica)

A staple in formal garden design, the Japanese Box is known for its dense, compact foliage, making it perfect for low borders or parterre designs. It thrives in full sun to part shade and responds well to trimming, which helps maintain a polished appearance year-round. Regular clipping will keep this hedge looking sharp and neat.

Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica)

This hardy option combines form and function with glossy green leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers in spring. Indian Hawthorn is a great choice for low hedging along pathways or to define garden beds. It’s incredibly versatile, tolerating wind, salt and drought conditions, making it a low-maintenance favourite.

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Medium hedges (1.5m – 3m)

Medium-sized hedges create a lush green backdrop while offering privacy without overwhelming your design. These are perfect for screening, framing or creating structured zones within your garden.

Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis)

Ideal for formal hedging, Bay Leaf creates a dense, aromatic barrier that can add both structure and a culinary touch to your garden. The dark green leaves have a distinctive aroma, and the hedge performs well in both sun and shade. I often recommend planting it along driveways or to screen service areas – and you can even pluck fresh leaves for cooking.

Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum & V. tinus)

Viburnum is a reliable hedge choice that grows quickly and needs minimal care. The large, glossy leaves provide excellent coverage for privacy screening, and in spring, it grows fragrant white flowers. It thrives in sun to part shade and benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and fullness.

Lily Pilly ‘Backyard Bliss’ (Syzygium australe ‘Backyard Bliss’)

For those seeking a low-maintenance, beautiful hedge, the Lily Pilly ‘Backyard Bliss’ is perfect. This fast-growing hedge has smooth, glossy leaves and a dense form, ideal for creating clean lines in modern gardens. It’s also psyllid-resistant, ensuring your hedge stays neat and healthy.

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Large hedges (over 3m)

If you want to create a bold statement or provide ultimate privacy, large hedges are the perfect solution. These towering plants can define boundaries, create grand entrances, or offer lush seclusion.

Weeping Lilly Pilly (Waterhousea floribunda)

The Weeping Lilly Pilly is a standout for creating privacy with style. Its arching branches and dense green foliage form a stunning hedge that adds drama to any landscape. Ideal for property boundaries or long driveways, this hedge is responsive to pruning and maintains its graceful form year-round.

Evergreen Fig (Ficus microcarpa ‘Flash’)

For a solid, impenetrable hedge, the Evergreen Fig is a fantastic choice. This fast-growing plant produces dense foliage, perfect for privacy screening. Whether you want to create a green wall or a secluded garden, the Evergreen Fig delivers lush, thick coverage. Regular pruning helps maintain its dense appearance.

Olive Trees (Olea europaea)

For a Mediterranean touch, olive trees make a timeless statement. They bring structure with their silver-green foliage and are perfect for creating formal rows along driveways or property boundaries. Olive trees are drought-resistant, making them perfect for Australia’s climate, and their sleek form requires minimal maintenance.

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Hedge planting and positioning

To achieve a lush, long-lasting hedge, ensure the following:

• Sun Exposure: Most hedges prefer full sun to part shade, so be sure they receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is essential for healthy growth. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
• Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial for healthy growth and dense coverage. Be sure to follow the recommended spacing for each variety.
  

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Pruning, feeding and watering hedges

• Pruning: Regular pruning encourages dense growth. Trim your hedge twice a year—once in spring (after flowering, if applicable) and once in late summer.
• Feeding: Apply a controlled-release fertiliser in early spring and late summer for optimal growth.
• Watering: Deep watering once a week during dry periods encourages healthy root development, and young plants may need more frequent watering to establish.
  

Hedges are essential elements of garden design, offering structure, elegance, and functionality. Whether you’re creating privacy, defining spaces, or adding interest, the right hedge is a timeless choice for Australian gardens and the perfect addition to your home. 

Follow Andrew Stark on Instagram for more expert tips and tricks for your outdoor spaces.

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Top image: Facebook/@andrewstarkgardens

How are you planning to use hedging in your yard? Leave us a comment below!