When privacy, wind protection, and year-round visual interest are non-negotiables, the right screening plant can make or break a landscape design. In New Zealand’s varied climates—from coastal to alpine—selecting resilient, low-maintenance species that also meet aesthetic and functional expectations is essential. Whether for residential boundaries, commercial developments, or public spaces, this guide explores the best screening options suited to local conditions and design standards.
Top Screening Choices for New Zealand Landscapes
When designing a screening solution that is both reliable and refined, three standout performers consistently rise to the top: Naringa™ Westringia, Slim™ Callistemon, and Dense Fence™ Viburnum. Each offers unique benefits to meet a range of site conditions and design intentions, while all share the essential qualities of compact form, fast establishment, and year-round functionality.
Naringa™ Westringia hybrid ‘WES01’
This robust Westringia is well-known for its tight growth habit and architectural form, making it a superb choice for formal or informal hedging. Unlike many native NZ plants, it responds exceptionally well to regular clipping, maintaining a neat appearance without thinning out at the base. The fine grey-green foliage and soft lavender flowers add a subtle coastal aesthetic, making it ideal for both urban and coastal applications. It thrives in full sun, tolerates a wide range of soils, and performs well in windy or exposed sites—key considerations for New Zealand’s varied environments.
https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/naringa-westringia/
Slim™ Callistemon viminalis CV01′ PVR
For narrow spaces where horizontal room is limited, Slim™ Callistemon offers a solution with impact. This upright bottlebrush features dense, deep green foliage and brilliant red flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds. Unlike broader-growing callistemons, Slim™ Callistemon maintains a tight vertical form, making it perfect for modern developments, side boundaries, and poolside planting. It’s tough, drought-tolerant once established, and handles pruning well, although it can also be left to grow naturally for a more relaxed feel where it will eventually become a medium-large tree. It brings both structure and seasonal interest to screening designs.
https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/slim-callistemon/
Dense Fence™ Viburnum odoratissimum
As the name suggests, Dense Fence™ Viburnum delivers exactly what it promises: a full, lush screen with minimal gaps. Faster and denser than the standard sweet viburnum, this cultivar has broader leaves and a naturally dense habit that can be enhanced with light pruning. It’s ideal for sites requiring immediate privacy. The large leaves and rapid growth provide a softer, greener appearance than other options, making it a top choice for screening where visual softness is desired.
https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/dense-fence-viburnum/
Comparing the Three
All three cultivars offer:
- Excellent screening capacity
- Low fuss with good response to pruning
- Suitability to a wide range of climates and soil types
- Longevity and year-round structure
However, their differences allow for more tailored applications:
- Naringa™ Westringia is best for structured, dry-tolerant landscapes and coastal exposure.
- Slim™ Callistemon excels in narrow sites and adds seasonal floral interest.
- Dense Fence™ Viburnum offers a lush, subtropical look and quicker cover in moist, fertile soils.
Conclusion
Effective screening doesn’t simply mean planting a fast-growing hedge and hoping for the best. It means specifying the right plant for the right place—balancing form, foliage density, growth rate, and ongoing maintenance. By choosing one of the above proven performers suited to New Zealand’s challenging environments, landscape specifiers and designers can deliver long-term solutions that provide structure, privacy, and visual appeal all year round.