Looking for ways to create a natural, beautiful privacy screen or hedge in your garden? Australian native plants offer some fantastic options for hedging and screening. Not only are these plants hardy and well-suited to our climate, but they also bring unique colors, textures, and wildlife-attracting qualities to your garden.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Australian native hedging and screening plants, including Lilly Pilly, Callistemon, Native Gardenia, Grevillea, Golden Penda, and Fraser Island Apple.

Callistemon, commonly known as Bottlebrush, is a native shrub or small tree known for its vibrant, brush-like flowers. It’s a great choice if you want to create a hedge or screen that bursts into color in spring and summer.

Growth

Varies depending on the variety, with most growing between 2 to 4 meters tall.

Flowers

Showy red, pink, or purple flowers shaped like bottle brushes.

Foliage

Narrow, leathery leaves that stay evergreen throughout the year.

Callistemon varieties like 'Little John' or 'Kings Park Special' are ideal for hedging. Their dense foliage and ability to handle pruning make them easy to shape, while the flowers attract birds and pollinators to your garden.

Native Gardenia is a fantastic choice if you want to add a touch of fragrance to your hedging. This slow-growing shrub or small tree is prized for its glossy leaves and sweetly scented flowers.

Growth

Grows up to 4-6 meters, making it suitable for medium to large-sized hedges.

Flowers

Fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Foliage

Dark green, glossy leaves that add richness to the landscape.

Native Gardenia thrives in shaded or partly shaded areas and does well in tropical and subtropical climates. Its scented flowers add a beautiful sensory element to your garden, making it a favorite near outdoor living spaces.

Grevillea is a diverse genus of Australian natives that can be used for hedging or screening while attracting birds and other wildlife to your garden. With over 350 species, there are many different sizes and forms to choose from.

Growth

Heights vary depending on the variety, with most growing between 1 to 4 meters.

Flowers

Spectacular, spidery flowers in a range of colors from red to pink, orange, and yellow.

Foliage

Often fine and feathery, though some species have larger, leathery leaves.

 

Grevilleas are perfect for more informal, natural-looking hedges. They thrive in sunny locations, and their flowers provide a vital nectar source for birds and bees. Varieties like 'Robyn Gordon' or 'Superb' are particularly popular for hedging.

Golden Penda is a stunning native tree with striking golden-yellow flowers that make it a standout choice for screening or as a feature hedge. This tree brings a touch of brightness and life to any garden.

Growth

Can grow up to 8 meters, though smaller varieties are available.

Flowers

Bright golden-yellow blooms in large clusters that attract birds and bees.

Foliage

Glossy, deep green leaves that provide excellent coverage.

Golden Penda thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is best suited for larger gardens where it has space to grow. Its eye-catching flowers make it a showstopper, and its dense foliage ensures good privacy.

Fraser Island Apple, also known as 'Beach Acronychia', is a hardy coastal plant that can be shaped into a dense hedge or screen. It’s ideal for those living near the coast, as it can handle salt spray and sandy soils.

Growth

Typically grows between 5 to 10 meters.

Flowers

Small, creamy white flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Foliage

Glossy, dark green leaves that provide a thick, year-round screen.

 

Fraser Island Apple is a great option for coastal gardens or exposed locations where other plants might struggle. Its resilience to harsh conditions makes it a reliable choice for tough spots, while its dense growth ensures effective screening.