Australian Tropical Hedge Plants

Lily Pilly

• Lily pilly is a fast-growing plant and, depending on the variety you choose, they grow to heights between 6 and 32 feet, which is tall enough to screen two-story homes. Lily pilly grows 6 ½ feet per year. Lily pilly will tolerate shade to full sun. To keep the plant dense with foliage, prune once in the spring and once in the fall. Never prune in the middle of the day because the stress is hard n the plant. Prune early in the morning or early in the evening. If you don’t prune the lily pilly hedge regularly, the plant becomes woody, making it harder to prune. When you prune, it is a good time to feed your lily pilly hedge. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer and keep the hedge watered. Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the hedge to retain moisture and keep the weeds down.

Orange Jasmine

• Orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) is an evergreen shrub. The foliage is richly aromatic. This tropical shrub has white flowers that are heavily perfumed. Orange jasmine grows 10 feet tall and does best when planted in full sun or partial shade. Prune the orange jasmine hedge once or twice per year, either in the autumn or spring. This is also the best time to fertilize the hedge as well with a slow-release fertilizer. Prune the hedge early in the morning or early evening or the stress will cause the tropical hedge plants to wilt. Put down a mulch of 3 to 4 inches thick to keep in moisture and help with weed control.

Michelia Yunnanensis

• Michelia yunnanensis is a relative of the magnolia and grows to a height of 10 feet after 10 years. This tropical hedge plant has dark green, leathery leaves that feel like velvet on the underside. Michelia yunnanensis has masses of scented white flowers. Grow the michelia yunnanensis in moist, fertile and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. This hedge plant likes to grow in full sun to partial shade. Although pruning isn’t necessary, it's recommended to prune the michelia yunnanensis back after flowering. Fertilize in the spring. Put 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the hedge plants and water often when the months are dry or while the plant is establishing itself.