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Nandina Domestica Hedging Ideas: When it comes to adding colour, structure, and privacy to Australian gardens, few plants rival Nandina domestica, also known as Heavenly Bamboo.
Despite its name, it’s not bamboo at all—it’s a hardy shrub loved for its vibrant red foliage, compact growth, and low-maintenance care.
Why Choose Nandina Domestica for Hedges in Australia?
Nandina is popular among Aussie homeowners because it offers a blend of beauty and practicality. Unlike tall, dense hedges, Nandina creates a softer, colourful screen that changes with the seasons.
Key Benefits:
- Ever-changing foliage → Green in spring, bronze in autumn, and fiery red in winter.
- Compact size → Perfect for small urban gardens and courtyards.
- Low maintenance → Less pruning compared to fast-growing hedges like Lilly Pilly.
- Hardy and drought-tolerant → Adapts well to Australia’s varying climates.
📌 Reference: According to ABC Gardening Australia, Nandina is one of the easiest shrubs to maintain, thriving in both pots and open ground with minimal care.
Nandina Domestica Hedging Ideas
1. Privacy Screen Hedge
- Plant Nandina in a single row, spaced 50–60 cm apart.
- Works well in driveways, side fences, and front yards.
- Provides year-round colour plus medium privacy.
2. Low Formal Hedge
- Ideal for edging garden beds or walkways.
- Keep trimmed to a height of 60–80 cm.
- Complements modern landscaping styles.
3. Colour Accent Hedge
- Combine Nandina with Lilly Pilly or Boxwood for a contrasting effect.
- Use dwarf varieties like’ Nandina Moon Bay’ or’ Nandina Nana’.
- Works beautifully in courtyards or around patios.
4. Mixed Native-Inspired Hedge
- Blend Nandina with other low-maintenance shrubs, such as Westringia or Callistemon.
- Creates a layered hedge with seasonal variation.
Hedge Spacing Guide for Nandina
Proper spacing is crucial for achieving a dense, full hedge.
Hedge StyleRecommended SpacingHeight MaintainedBest Varieties
Privacy Screen 50–60 cm apart 1–1.5 m Nandina domestica standard
Low Border Hedge 30–40 cm apart 0.6–0.8 m Nandina ‘Nana’, Nandina’ Moon Bay’
Mixed Hedge 60–80 cm apart 1–2 m Blend with Lilly Pilly, Callistemon
Accent Hedge 40–50 cm apart 0.8–1.2 m Nandina ‘Firepower’, Nandina ‘Blush’
📌 Tip: Closer spacing = faster privacy. Wider spacing = more natural look.
Pruning Tips for a Neat Nandina Hedge
Unlike Lilly Pilly, Nandina grows slowly, so you won’t need to prune every month.
- Light Trim: Twice a year (late summer and winter).
- Hard Cut: Every 2–3 years, prune older stems to ground level to encourage new growth.
- Shaping: For formal hedges, keep the top slightly narrower than the base to allow light to pass through.
📌 Reference: NSW DPI recommends pruning hedges lightly and regularly to maintain structure without stressing plants.
Nandina Domestica vs Lilly Pilly for Hedging
Both Nandina and Lilly Pilly are favourites in Australian gardens, but they serve different purposes.
FeatureNandina DomesticaLilly Pilly (Syzygium australe)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, Fast-growing
Height 0.6–2 m 2–5 m
Foliage Colour Green → red through seasons Green, glossy
Privacy Level Medium High
Maintenance Low Moderate (regular pruning)
Pest Issues Rarely Susceptible to Psyllids
Best Use: Decorative, colourful hedges, Tall privacy screens
Water Needs Low once established Moderate
👉 Verdict:
- Choose Nandina for its vibrant colour, low maintenance, and suitability for smaller spaces.
- Choose Lilly Pilly for dense privacy and tall hedges.
Pros & Cons of Using Nandina Hedges
✅ Pros
- Vibrant year-round foliage
- Low maintenance
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Compact size, perfect for small gardens
- Resistant to most pests and diseases
❌ Cons
- Slower growth compared to Lilly Pilly
- Doesn’t provide full privacy for tall fences
- Some varieties may spread if not pruned
- Not ideal if you want a very dense screen quickly
Best Varieties of Nandina for Hedges in Australia
- Nandina domestica standard → Best for medium hedges.
- Nandina’ Moon Bay’ → Upright form, great for borders.
- Nandina’ Nana’ → Compact, perfect for edging.
- Nandina ‘Firepower’ → Stunning red foliage, low hedge use.
- Nandina ‘Blush’ → New pink-red growth, modern gardens.
📌 Reference: CSIRO recommends selecting varieties based on intended landscape height and design.
Where to Buy Nandina Domestica in Australia
🛒 Trusted Stores:
- Bunnings Warehouse – Nandina Range
- Garden Express Australia
- Australian Plants Online
Buy Button Example:
👉 Buy Nandina Domestica Online at Garden Express
Many Australian gardeners love exploring Nandina Domestica hedging ideas for colourful privacy screens.
Landscaping Inspiration with Nandina
- Line driveways with Moon Bay Nandina for symmetry.
- Use Nana Nandina along garden beds for neat edging.
- Create a red winter hedge with the Firepower variety.
- Mix Nandina with native grasses for a modern, textured hedge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planting too far apart → Leaves gaps in the hedge.
Overwatering → Can cause root rot.
Forgetting to prune → Hedge loses shape.
Expecting fast privacy → Nandina grows slower than Lilly Pilly.
FAQs
1. Is Nandina good as a hedge in Australia?
Yes, Nandina is an excellent hedge for colour, structure, and low-maintenance privacy in Australian gardens.
2. How tall does Nandina grow in a hedge?
Depending on the variety, Nandina hedges range in height from 60 cm to 2 metres.
3. How far apart should I plant Nandina for a hedge?
For privacy screens, space plants 50–60 cm apart. For borders, use a spacing of 30–40 cm.
4. Is Nandina better than Lilly Pilly for hedging?
It depends. Nandina is slower but colourful, while Lilly Pilly is faster and denser.
