Driveway hedges offer a unique blend of practicality and beauty, serving as effective barriers while enhancing the overall appeal of a property. Thoughtfully designed by landscape architects, these green screens act as natural fences, seamlessly integrating into the surrounding landscape.
Layering short and tall plants is a great way to create interest through contrasting colours and textures. Dense Fence™Viburnum odoratissimum. .https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/dense-fence-viburnum/
Why Use Driveway Hedges?
Privacy and Screening
Hedges provide a softer alternative to solid walls or fences, creating privacy while maintaining a welcoming, natural look. Tall, narrow varieties are particularly effective for screening driveways and gardens.
Defining Boundaries
For properties with limited space, slim hedge species establish clear boundaries without crowding the driveway or reducing accessibility.
Aesthetic Appeal
A well-maintained hedge enhances a property’s kerb appeal, complementing driveway materials like gravel, asphalt, or paving stones.
Environmental Benefits
Hedges reduce noise and pollution, a bonus for homes near busy roads. Many species also attract wildlife, offering food and shelter for birds and pollinators.
Tall, narrow hedges are ideal for driveways where you want height without width. Slim™ Callistemon viminalis CV01′ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/slim-callistemon/
How Are Driveway Hedges Incorporated?
- Narrow Screens – Slim-growing hedge varieties work well in tight spaces, fitting neatly along driveways.
- Layered Planting – Combining hedges with lower plants adds depth and texture while keeping the hedge itself slim.
- Adaptable Styles – Options range from formal, trimmed designs to loose, natural styles to match the property’s character.
Top Plant Choices for Driveway Hedges
Tall-Medium Screening Hedge Plants
- Slim™ Callistemon viminalis CV01′ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/slim-callistemon/
- Naringa™ Westringia hybrid ‘WES01’. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/naringa-westringia/
- Dense Fence™ Viburnum odoratissimum. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/dense-fence-viburnum/
Short Layering Plants
- Grey Box™ Westringia ‘WES04’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/grey-box-westringia/
- Mundi™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES05’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/mundi-westringia/
- Low Horizon™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES06’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/low-horizon-westringia/
- Green John™ Callistemon viminalis ‘LJ23’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/green-john-callistemon/
- Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/obsession-nandina/
- Blush™ Nandina domestica ‘AKA’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/blush-nandina/
- ENCORE AZALEAS. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/encore-azaleas/
Something so simple as a border definition using short hedging can make such a big difference, compared with a bare driveway border. Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/obsession-nandina/
Applications in Different Spaces
Residential Driveways
Hedges can frame straight paths or sweeping curves, hiding unsightly items like bins or cars while maintaining an elegant aesthetic.
Commercial Properties
For offices or retail spaces, hedges soften hardscapes and create inviting entrances. Year-round greenery ensures they remain polished and professional.
Conclusion
Driveway hedges beautifully balance function and design, offering privacy, structure, and aesthetic refinement. By choosing the right species and tailoring their use, architects and homeowners alike can create stunning, efficient outdoor spaces.