29 Sep 2021
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TOP 5 INDIGENOUS HEDGES

Indigenous gardens are not only beautiful, but they also support local biodiversity. As with any garden design, shape and structure are key elements to creating a balanced and visually pleasing landscape. Hedges, barriers and screens play a significant role in defining spaces, creating privacy and providing windbreaks. The following indigenous plants are excellent options to consider for functional and aesthetic hedging in your garden:

Frelinia tropica:

Why Plant it?

  • Evergreen with dense, small green leaves, perfect for year-round structure.
  • Tiny tubular white flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Tolerant of semi-shaded conditions, making it versatile for different garden spots.
  • Low maintenance and drought-resistant once established.

Garden Uses:

  • Ideal for low to medium-height hedges or borders.
  • Suitable for both formal and informal garden designs.
  • Great for underplanting in woodland or semi-shade gardens.
  • Works well as a backdrop for flowering perennials or smaller shrubs.

Plumbago auriculata 

Why Plant it?

  • Lush, fast-growing foliage makes it an excellent hedge or screen.
  • Showy blue or white flowers bloom almost year-round in warm climates.
  • Attracts butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden.
  • Thrives in sunny locations and tolerates a range of soils.

Garden Uses:

  • Perfect for medium-height hedges or informal screens.
  • Can be pruned into neat shapes for a more structured appearance.
  • Adds softness and texture to mixed shrub borders.
  • Functions as a climber when supported by trellises or walls.

Carissa marocarpa

Why Plant it?

  • Dense, tough, leathery leaves make it highly durable for hedges.
  • Fragrant white star-shaped flowers add a sensory element to the garden.
  • Red fruit attracts birds, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.
  • Drought-tolerant and ideal for coastal or inland gardens.

Garden Uses:

  • Excellent for security hedging due to its thorny stems.
  • Creates effective barriers or boundary screens.
  • Works well in coastal gardens as it tolerates salty winds.
  • Can be used as a low-maintenance groundcover in larger spaces.

Tecoma Capensis

Why Plant it?

  • Bright trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, deep orange, yellow and salmon provide a striking visual display.
  • Green foliage is fast-growing and dense, ideal for quick coverage.
  • Attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and sunbirds.
  • Adaptable to a range of soils and climates.

Garden Uses:

  • Perfect for medium to tall informal hedges or privacy screens.
  • Can be trained as a climber or left to sprawl as a groundcover.
  • Ideal for brightening up dull corners or adding seasonal color.
  • Great for windbreaks and erosion control on slopes.

Portulaca afra

Why Plant it?

  • Succulent with small, round, fleshy leaves, providing year-round greenery.
  • Highly drought-tolerant and absorbs carbon dioxide, improving air quality.
  • Attracts pollinators with its tiny pink flowers.
  • Easy to propagate and extremely hardy in tough conditions.

Garden Uses:

  • Ideal for low hedges or groundcovers in water-wise gardens.
  • Can be used in rock gardens or as a filler plant between larger shrubs.
  • Excellent for container gardening and small spaces.
  • Works well in sustainable landscapes or eco-conscious designs.