Filterable hedge comparison
Use the controls to shortlist plants for a site, then sort the table by the metric that matters most.
| Native | Practical hedge / screen | Light | Tolerance | Main watch-out | Source | Estimator |
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No plants match those filters. Widen one or more criteria.
Hedge quantity estimator
Estimate a planting range from the comparison table’s indicative spacing. Round up before ordering.
Planning note: closer spacing usually closes gaps faster but increases plant cost and can reduce airflow. Confirm final spacing with the plant supplier and account for pot size, cultivar, climate, and desired hedge density.
Problem-led quick lookup
Use symptoms or constraints to narrow the maintenance response.
Red or brown spots and early leaf drop on Photinia
Suspect Entomosporium leaf spot. Remove affected foliage, improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and seek locally appropriate fungicide guidance where needed.
Leaves curl or new growth distorts
Check for aphids or psyllids, then review watering and heat stress. Resistant lilly pilly cultivars may reduce recurring psyllid damage.
Yellow foliage while soil remains wet
Investigate drainage and possible root stress. Reduce irrigation frequency, keep mulch clear of stems, and consider raised planting where waterlogging persists.
Hedge is sparse at the base
Lightly tip-prune during active growth, avoid cutting only the top, and make sure neighbouring plants or structures are not excluding light from lower branches.
Very narrow planting bed
Start with naturally columnar plants such as Thin Red™, Pinnacle™, or Straight and Narrow™ rather than forcing a broad cultivar into a tight footprint.
Method and source notes
Photinia Robusta baseline data was compiled from and expanded on this guide: Photinia Fraseri Robusta growth, care and hedge guide. Comparable cultivar dimensions and tolerance notes were checked against breeder, horticultural database, and wholesale nursery specifications.
- Natural dimensions are mature ranges or supplier-stated approximations, not guaranteed maintained hedge sizes.
- “Practical hedge / screen” is a planning band based on pruning response and published use; local conditions can alter performance.
- Spacing is indicative. Where a breeder published plants per linear metre, the value was converted into an approximate centre-to-centre range.
- Growth labels standardise qualitative descriptions such as fast, vigorous, moderate, compact, or very fast establishing.
- Australian native status refers to species origin; named cultivars may be protected selections.