What hedge plants for privacy?

[JonnyH]

Hello,

I'm looking to buy one or two hedge plants to give a little privacy to the front of my house. Doesn't have to be fully grown for immediate privacy. Could someone recommend me a couple of options? The only potential problem is the area for the plant isn't very wide. 

Cheers

Jonny

[JacobZ]

Hi @JonnyH,

Thank you for your question.

Allow me to tag our experienced gardeners, @Noelle and @mich1972 for their recommendations.

Personally, I'm a big fan of Japanese Box (Buxus Japonica) for hedging in narrow spaces. It has small, glossy green leaves and a naturally dense, tidy growth habit that responds well to shaping and regular pruning.

With some care and pruning, it will become a solid visual block to offer you added privacy at the front of your house.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @JonnyH 

By the appearance of your house and its frontage, I'm guessing you may be in Queensland? If so, I'd suggest something along the lines of Dwarf Heavenly or Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Nana') which isn't really a bamboo at all but has somehow been given that common name.

It can be quite spectacular when its foliage turns bright crimson red, but it also looks good throughout the year. Its biggest advantage is that it will grow in that narrow bed you have available. It may reach a height of 50-60cm which will give you some protection.

Do a Google search on it and then click on Images to get a good range of pictures of what to expect.

Unfortunately the bed you have is too narrow to grow anything that will achieve screening height unless you look at putting in a climber - you would need to put up some form of trellis or similar on which it could twine upwards.

[Jason]

Hi @JonnyH,

Here's a couple of resources you should find helpful:

• How to choose a hedging plant

• What plants are suitable for a hedge?

Hope that helps.

Jason

[JonnyH]

Cheers for that.

Correct, I'm in South Brisbane. That info probably would have been handy

I'll get back to you with my decision.

Jonny

[JonnyH]

Hi,

I spoke to the body corporate and they said I can put a hedge in but it has to be the same as the other hedges in the complex. Could someone tell me what type of plant this is and if Bunnings sell it? Also, can I buy it as a more established plant?

Cheers

Jonny

[EricL]

Hello @JonnyH 

It appears to be 180mm Hibiscus - Hibiscus sinensis.  It's a popular evergreen shrub grown for its lush, glossy green foliage and large, showy flowers, which come in a variety of colours including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. The flower in your image appears to be a double red variety, which is known for its frilly, layered petals.

These shrubs are commonly used as ornamental hedges or screening plants in warm climates. They thrive in full sun to part shade, prefer well-draining soil, and benefit from regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage flowering. If you’re maintaining it as a hedge, light pruning after flowering will help it stay dense and healthy. 

In regards to availability and size, please visit your local store to find out what's in stock.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[JonnyH]

It may take a few years to provide the coverage I'm looking for but I'm happy with this for now.

Thanks for your help.

[JacobZ]

Looks great @JonnyH!

I'm sure it will blossom into the beautiful privacy screen you are hoping for in the next few years.

Jacob