6 best screening hedge plant
<h4>Lillipilly</h4>
<p>With its dense screen and fast growing habit, lillipilly can grow up to eight metres tall but should be pruned to thicken the foliage. The Syzygium smithii variety is commonly known as ‘Neighbours Be Gone’.</p>
<h4>Juniper</h4>
<p>A conifer such as Juniperas spartan is an excellent choice due to its dense evergreen dark blue-green coloured foliage. This column-shaped hardy plant grows to three metres in 10 years and no trimming or pruning is required.</p>
<h4>Camellia</h4>
<p>Camellias come in two main varieties, japonica and sasanqua. For hedging, the sasanqua is the preferred choice with its faster growing habit, smaller leaves and better sun tolerance. The flowers in autumn are an added bonus.</p>
<h4>Photinia</h4>
<p>Photinias come in larger and smaller leaf varieties with the smaller leaf types more suitable for hedges up to two metres. With an overall deep green leaf appearance, the new growth comes as striking red foliage.</p>
<h4>Murraya</h4>
<p>A great alternative to box hedges with a somewhat similar texture but lighter green leaves, murraya is fast growing and easy to care for, with a pretty flush of orange blossom scented flowers in spring and summer.</p>
<h4>English Box</h4>
<p>Box is the most popular choice for hedging and is the best choice for a more formal look. Its slow growing tendency means it will not provide privacy for several years, but the bonus is it’s easy to maintain.</p>
<p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>
<p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/gardening-tips/best-screening-hedge-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>
