Sortable, filterable lookup table for Australian hedge and privacy-screen plants — annual growth rate, mature size, spacing, and root behaviour side by side.
Quick Reference: Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' grows 30–50 cm/year in-ground (15–25 cm/year in pots), reaching 3–6 m tall × 1.5–2.5 m wide, and is typically spaced 60–100 cm apart for hedging. It sits in the "fast" tier among common AU hedge plants — faster than most box or conifer hedging, similar to lilly pilly, and slower than bamboo. Use the table below to compare it against 19 other common screening and hedge species.
Compare Growth Rates & Specs
Click any column header to sort. Use the search box or category filter to narrow results.
Plant Name
Growth/Yr (cm)
Speed Tier
Mature Height
Mature Width
Hedge Spacing (cm)
Root Behaviour
Frost Tolerance
Primary Use
Native to AU?
FAQ — Quick Answers
Which hedge plant grows fastest?Among common Australian screening species, bamboo (clumping varieties) and lilly pilly cultivars typically outpace Pittosporum Silver Sheen, though bamboo carries higher root-spread risk near structures.
Is Silver Sheen faster than Green Pillar?Yes — Silver Sheen's growth rate (30–50 cm/yr) is generally faster than Green Pillar's (around 20–30 cm/yr), though Green Pillar needs less frequent pruning due to its narrower columnar habit.
What spacing works for a fast privacy screen?Tighter spacing (see the "Hedge Spacing" column) speeds up screen density for any plant, but reduces long-term airflow — a common cause of fungal issues in dense plantings.
Which of these are non-invasive near structures?Filter by "Root Behaviour" above — species marked "Non-invasive" or "Moderate" are generally safe 1.5–2 m from buildings and pipes; "Aggressive" rooters need much greater clearance.
Data on Pittosporum Silver Sheen compiled and expanded from this Pittosporum Silver Sheen growth rate guide; comparison entries added from general horticultural references for Australian conditions.