How Far Apart to Plant Pittosporum Hedge

Correct spacing is the key to growing a pittosporum hedge that looks full, dense, and uniform. In Australia, the ideal planting distance for pittosporum is generally 80 cm to 1 metre apart. Closer spacing creates a faster screen, while wider gaps suit larger, informal hedges. Choosing the right distance depends on the variety, growth rate, and the type of hedge you want to achieve.

Recommended Planting Distances

Pittosporum varieties such as Silver Sheen, James Stirling, and Golf Ball each have slightly different growth habits, but spacing guidelines remain consistent across most hedging types. For a hedge to fill in evenly without gaps, aim for the following:

Dense hedge or screen: Plant 80 cm apart. This ensures plants knit together quickly, often within 1–2 years.
Standard hedge: Plant 1 metre apart. Balanced density and airflow, ideal for most suburban gardens.
Informal hedge: Plant 1.2–1.5 metres apart. Best if you want a looser, natural screen with less frequent pruning.

Always measure from the centre of one plant to the centre of the next. For a double row hedge, stagger the spacing in a zig-zag pattern to create a thick, layered effect.

Spacing is also influenced by soil fertility and sunlight. In poorer soils or shaded sites, closer planting is recommended, as growth may be slower and gaps more visible.

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How to Plant for Fast Establishment

Correct spacing is only part of the process. To get pittosporum hedges established quickly, follow these steps:

Prepare the soil: Loosen soil at least twice the width of the root ball. Add organic matter if soil is sandy or heavy clay.
Set spacing: Mark each planting spot with a stake or string line to keep rows straight and evenly spaced.
Planting depth: Position each plant so the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, not buried too deep.
Backfill and water: Fill in firmly around roots and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Mulch: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, leaving space around the stem.

Water regularly for the first 3–6 months after planting. Light tip pruning in the first year encourages branching and helps the hedge thicken faster.

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Fertiliser for Strong Hedge Growth

Once your pittosporum are planted at the correct spacing, feeding them is essential to ensure they grow quickly and fill in the gaps. Apply a balanced fertiliser twice a year, in early spring and mid-summer. This promotes lush green foliage and helps young hedges establish more rapidly.

Newly planted hedges: Fertilise lightly every 6–8 weeks during the first year.
Established hedges: Feed twice yearly to maintain health and density.
Water in well: Fertiliser should always be watered in to prevent burning roots.

For best results, use CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20 at 4 ml per litre of water. This provides balanced nutrients to encourage strong root establishment, rapid top growth, and even foliage coverage along your hedge.

Quick FAQs

What is the best spacing for pittosporum hedge? 80 cm to 1 metre apart for most gardens; up to 1.5 metres for looser hedges.
Can pittosporum be planted closer than 80 cm? Yes, but it may increase competition for nutrients and require more pruning.
How fast will the hedge close in? With correct spacing, pittosporum usually form a solid hedge within 2–3 years.
Do I need fertiliser after planting? Yes, feeding with a balanced NPK fertiliser ensures faster establishment and denser foliage.