🌿 Common Hedge Species in Auckland – A Local Guide from Tree Brothers

Looking to plant a new hedge or understand what’s growing around your property? Auckland gardens feature a wide variety of hedge species — from fast-growing natives to formal evergreens and flowering screens.

At Tree Brothers, we maintain hedges across the region every day, and we know which plants thrive (and which ones don’t) in Auckland’s unique climate and soils.

Here’s a rundown of the most common hedge species in Auckland, with their pros, cons, and what to expect from each.

🌱 1. Griselinia littoralis – Native, Hardy & Popular

Why it’s common:
Griselinia is a favourite across Auckland — especially for suburban boundaries and lifestyle blocks. It's fast-growing, evergreen, and performs well in coastal and windy conditions.

Pros:
✔️ NZ native
✔️ Dense, glossy foliage
✔️ Grows quickly with good shape
✔️ Low maintenance once established

Considerations:
– Needs water during establishment
– Can struggle in poorly drained soils
– Benefits from regular light trimming to stay full

🌳 2. Pittosporum (Various cultivars) – Versatile Native With Great Colour

Why it’s common:
Pittosporum species like 'Wrinkled Blue', 'Silver Sheen', and 'Mountain Green' are used for everything from shelterbelts to narrow privacy screens. These natives offer quick growth and attractive foliage tones.

Pros:
✔️ Native and hardy
✔️ Lots of varieties for colour and height
✔️ Fast-growing with upright form
✔️ Responds well to shaping

Considerations:
– Can get leggy if not regularly trimmed
– May need wind protection when young
– Thinning may be needed to avoid density issues

🌳 3. Ficus Tuffi (Ficus microcarpa) – Fast-Growing and Dense, But Rooty

Why it’s common:
Ficus Tuffi provides an instant screen with rich green leaves and formal appeal. It’s a go-to for tall privacy hedging in urban spaces — but it requires care.

Pros:
✔️ Super fast growth
✔️ Dense coverage
✔️ Easily shaped into formal hedges
✔️ Good for urban screening

Considerations:
– Invasive roots — avoid near concrete or pipes
– Requires frequent trimming
– Can suffer in cold or exposed sites

🌿 4. Lilly Pilly (Syzygium spp.) – Bright, Colourful and Popular

Why it’s common:
Lilly Pilly is loved for its glossy green leaves, bright red new growth, and bird-friendly berries. It’s increasingly popular in both residential and commercial plantings.

Pros:
✔️ Attractive year-round
✔️ Dense, fast-growing
✔️ Great for colourful screening
✔️ Bird-friendly

Considerations:
– Susceptible to psyllid (bubbly leaves)
– Regular pruning required
– Needs good drainage to avoid root stress

🌸 5. Photinia Red Robin – Classic Colour and Structure

Why it’s common:
Photinia’s striking red new growth makes it a standout choice for decorative hedging. It grows tall and thick, often used for visual impact.

Pros:
✔️ Red foliage contrast
✔️ Evergreen and dense
✔️ Good height control
✔️ Works well in mixed borders

Considerations:
– Prone to leaf spot if airflow is poor
– Needs consistent pruning for best shape
– Not ideal for exposed coastal areas

🌾 6. Muehlenbeckia astonii (Shrubby Tororaro) – Tough Native With a Quirky Look

Why it’s common:
This hardy NZ native is gaining popularity for its fine, twiggy growth and drought tolerance. It’s a great choice for native gardens or low-formal hedging.

Pros:
✔️ Endemic NZ species
✔️ Unique texture and structure
✔️ Tolerant of tough conditions
✔️ Excellent for biodiversity

Considerations:
– Slower to establish
– Needs shaping early to maintain form
– Sparse if not managed well

🌏 How Tree Brothers Can Help

Choosing the right hedge isn’t just about looks — it’s about soil type, light levels, wind exposure, and long-term maintenance. At Tree Brothers, we offer:

✔️ Hedge planting advice
✔️ Regular hedge trimming & shaping
✔️ Organic fertilising & soil support
✔️ Eco-conscious methods as we phase in battery-powered tools
✔️ Free quotes Auckland-wide

📞 Need Help with Your Hedge?

Whether you're starting fresh or managing what’s already growing, Tree Brothers brings experience, skill, and a sustainable approach to hedge care across Auckland.

👉 Contact us today for a free quote or planting consultation

Tree Brothers – Auckland Hedge Experts
Local Knowledge | Qualified Arborists | Sustainable Care