Hedges are a common feature in many Australian gardens. They act as natural barriers against noise and pollution, provide shelter for wildlife, and help create privacy by screening gardens from the street. At the same time, they can trap dust and pollution from nearby traffic.
Hedges also enhance the appearance of a garden and contribute to a calmer outdoor space. If you are considering adding one to your yard, here are eight of the best fast-growing options in Australia.
#1 – Lilly Pilly
If you are looking for a fast-growing hedge that is also one of Australia’s favourite plants, look no further than Lilly Pilly. In addition to its impressive hedging, this plant yields tasty, crisp fruits.
This is a dense and fast-growing native hedge plant with glossy leaves. Apart from looking great, the waxy coating on the leaves helps retain moisture without affecting photosynthesis. It is also a good insulation against heat, which is increasingly important as our climate changes.
Lilly Pilly has a growth rate of approximately 50 to 60 centimetres and thrives in sandy loam to heavy loam soil types.
#2 – Murraya
Murraya paniculata is very hard to beat if you are looking for an attractive, fast-growing hedge that doubles as a screening plant. It has beautiful, shiny green leaves that you can trim and shape at any height and any width.
This plant can grow up to 3 or 4 meters in about 20 years. But you can trim it to a manageable height for easy maintenance. It has a good growth rate that ranges from 30 to 60 centimetres per year. Moreover, the plant can survive in a wide range of nutrient-rich soils.
#3 – Photinia Robusta
The large-leafed Photinia Robusta is a great hedge plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. It can grow up to 5 metres in height, giving you the privacy you desire. It gains a growth of 30 to 90 centimetres per year.
Once you establish the plant, it requires relatively little water. But it is important to water thoroughly during maintenance. The plant is strong enough to make it in zones 7 to 9. Furthermore, this evergreen tree is tolerant of frost, drought, and heat.
#4 – Viburnums
For many years, Viburnums have been a go-to for Australian homeowners looking for a quick-growing hedge. They have an average growth rate that ranges from 30 to 60 centimetres per year.
The Viburnum Tinus is an amazing option. It’s an evergreen with little leaves that can reach a height of 3 metres. The Sweet Viburnum has large, glossy emerald leaves and bears fragrant white plumes and little red berries. It grows to a height of 3 to 4 metres in areas with mild winters but no severe frost.
#5 – Clumping Bamboo
Clumping bamboo, also known as non-invasive bamboo, is a popular choice for landscaping in Australia. Unlike running bamboo, which spreads aggressively and can be difficult to control, clumping bamboo forms tight, contained clumps that expand slowly over time. This makes it a more manageable and less invasive option for gardeners.
One of the advantages of clumping bamboo is its versatility. It can be used for various purposes, such as creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or ornamental focal points in gardens. The dense foliage provides excellent coverage, making it an ideal choice for blocking unwanted views or creating secluded areas.
#6 – Cherry Laurel
This fast-growing shrub has large, polished, attractive leaves that are green all year round. It produces clusters of pretty yet modest creamy white flowers that are popular with bees.
The plant is highly versatile and can be shaped into a formal hedge or left to grow in a more natural shape. This makes it ideal for hedges of 1.5m to 5m high. Also, it has an average to a fast growth rate that ranges from 30 to 60 centimetres a year.
Besides, this plant prefers partial to full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Regular water is necessary, especially during dry periods.
#7 – Bottlebrush
Callistemon, aka bottlebrush, is a very low-water Australian native shrub that also happens to be evergreen. Bottlebrush is one of those great full-sun plants that can handle the heat.
Bottlebrush plants come in a wide variety. The ones that are bushy from the ground up are going to give you a great privacy screen. They are suitable for places where you want to get rid of unwanted views, do away with a noisy neighbour, or just want some extra colour.
#8 – Starry Night
The Starry Night is a versatile, evergreen, deep purple shrub that’s ideal for homeowners looking for an Australian native, fast-growing hedge.
It has a weeping, graceful habit with an impressive purple-pink growth. You will appreciate the beauty of this hedge in late spring and summer when the bronze buds burst into snowy white flowers.
Although it prefers well-drained humus-rich soil, the Starry Night growing hedge is also tolerant of a variety of soil conditions. Besides, it thrives in partial to full sun exposure.
How to Choose a Hedge?
There’s much to consider before you choose a growing living screen for your Australian garden. ‘Here are the most important ones.
- What’s your purpose for growing a hedge plant?
- Which hedge plant will thrive in your climate? Do I need a drought or frost-tolerant plant?
- How quickly do you want the hedge to grow? Are you ready for more frequent maintenance and pruning?
- Is there enough room for the hedge to grow without encroaching or overcrowding?
- Do you have heavy clay or well-drained soil in your garden?
- Does the soil need amending to improve drainage and fertility?
- What are the watering needs of the fast-growing hedge you choose?
- Are there any local regulations regarding plant species or hedge height?
There's no denying that these considerations are crucial, but the answers to these questions will guide you in selecting the most suitable fast-growing hedge plant.
Choosing the Right Spot
Start by assessing the conditions in your garden, including the amount of sunlight different areas receive, the type of soil present, and the space available for the hedge to grow. Most fast-growing hedges perform best in full sun or partial shade. If planted in a heavily shaded area, growth may be slower and less dense.
On the other hand, in particularly hot regions of Australia, selecting heat-tolerant species such as Bottlebrush can help ensure healthy growth. Soil conditions are equally important. While some hedge plants are adaptable, well-drained soil is generally ideal. For example, Lilly Pilly tends to prefer sandy to loamy soils, while plants like Cherry Laurel grow well in rich, well-drained soil.
Also consider the available space. Fast-growing hedges need room to expand both vertically and horizontally. Plan based on the plant’s mature size, as overcrowding can restrict growth and increase the risk of disease.
Caring for Your Hedges in Australia
Proper care and maintenance are essential factors to consider if you wish to enjoy the full benefits of your fast-growing hedges in Australia. By ensuring your hedge receives the best care, you will witness rapid growth, a healthier plant, and a more visually appealing landscape.
Fast-growing hedge species may seem like a great low-maintenance option due to their rapid growth and quick establishment. However, their speedy growth can often require more frequent maintenance compared to slower-growing plants.
Prune regularly
To keep your hedge looking its best, regular pruning is usually necessary. Pruning encourages denser growth, making the hedge thicker and more private, but it also controls the height and spread to prevent your hedge from encroaching on your neighbour’s space or overtaking other plants in your garden.
Having the right tool is essential for effective pruning without causing any damage. Hedge trimmers are the ideal tools to help you achieve precise and clean cuts, ensuring the health and visual appeal of your hedge. Whether you're working with a small or large hedge, the best hedge trimmers offer a wide range of features and options to meet your specific pruning requirements.
Nourish your hedge
Feeding your hedge is another essential aspect of hedge care. Fast-growing hedges in Australia are naturally vigorous growers, and to keep up with their rapid growth rate, additional nutrients are often necessary. Applying a slow-release fertiliser in the spring and summer seasons will provide the nutrients these hedges need to flourish.
Water appropriately
Watering is also an essential part of hedge care. While established hedges like the Lilly Pilly or Murraya can cope well with drought, they will still appreciate a drink during the drier summer months. Younger plants, however, will need regular watering until they have established their root systems.
Always remember that it's better to water deeply and less frequently than to give your hedges frequent shallow watering, as this encourages deeper root growth and makes the hedge more resilient during periods of drought.
Keep an eye out for pests.
Lastly, pests and diseases are another aspect to keep in mind. Always keep an eye on your hedges for any signs of damage or disease. The earlier you catch any problems, the easier they will be to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are frequently asked questions about fast-growing hedges in Australia.
What are the fastest-growing hedges in Australia?
There are a variety of fast-growing hedges in Australia, including popular choices like Lilly Pilly, Murraya, Photinia Robusta, Viburnums, Clumping Bamboo, Cherry Laurel, Bottlebrush, and Starry Night. The growth rates can vary greatly depending on environmental conditions and care, but these hedges are generally known for their rapid growth.
Laura
Wrapping Up
Each plant or shrub brings something different to a garden, whether it is colourful foliage, attractive blooms, or dense greenery. The right hedge depends on what you want it to do. Some varieties grow quickly to create privacy, while others attract pollinators or simply improve the look of your outdoor space.
If you are unsure which hedge will work best, speak with a local gardening expert. They can recommend plants suited to your region, soil, and climate. With the right choice and proper care, you can establish a healthy, attractive hedge that enhances your garden for years to come.
