How to Grow Murraya Hedges in Australia

Murraya paniculata, often called orange jasmine or mock orange, is one of the most popular hedging plants in Australian gardens. Its fragrant white flowers, glossy evergreen leaves, and fast growth make it an ideal choice for hedges, screens, or standalone feature shrubs.

Best Planting Conditions

Climate: Thrives in subtropical and temperate regions across Australia.
Soil: Prefers fertile, free-draining soil enriched with compost or premium potting mix.
Sunlight: Full sun produces dense growth, but plants tolerate part shade.
Water: Regular watering during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Mix soil with compost or quality potting mix before backfilling.
Position plants upright and water deeply after planting.

Spacing for Hedges

Standard hedge: Space 50–100cm apart depending on size required.
Dense privacy screen: Plant 50–60cm apart for quick coverage.
Feature shrubs: Allow 1.5–2m spacing for standalone growth.

501386218_584538308000720_1561199933907069547_n

501580593_1893890481464390_6929680739274709820_n

Murraya Hedge Care & Maintenance

Once established, Murraya is a hardy and low-maintenance plant. Proper care ensures dense foliage, strong flowering, and long-term hedge performance.

Watering

Water 2–3 times per week during establishment.
Once mature, reduce to weekly watering or less in cooler months.
During heatwaves, deep soak at the root zone to prevent stress.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
For dense hedges, trim 3–4 times per year.
Hard pruning can rejuvenate older, woody plants.

Fertilising

Murraya thrives with regular feeding during the growing season. Apply a balanced NPK fertiliser every 6–8 weeks in spring and summer to maintain lush foliage and repeat flowers. See our Best Fertiliser for Murraya guide for the full schedule.

Mulching

Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep mulch 5–10cm away from the trunk to avoid rot.

203193368_298010888734125_7127533940230573884_n (1)

Murraya Hedge FAQs & Growing Tips

Common Problems

Yellow leaves: Often due to nutrient deficiency or poor drainage.
Slow growth: Usually from poor soil or lack of fertiliser.
Sparse base: Regular trimming encourages thicker lower growth.

FAQs

Q: How fast does Murraya paniculata grow?
A: In the right conditions, Murraya can grow 30–60cm per year, making it a fast-establishing hedge.

Q: Can Murraya be grown in pots?
A: Yes. Choose large pots with free-draining soil and prune regularly to maintain shape.

Q: When should I prune Murraya hedges?
A: Prune after flowering, typically 2–3 times per year, to maintain density and encourage repeat blooms.

Q: Are Murraya roots invasive?
A: No, the root system is generally non-invasive, making Murraya suitable near fences and pathways.

Q: When do Murrayas flower?
A: They produce fragrant white blooms several times a year, often in spring and after summer rain.

Final Growing Tip

For the best results, combine proper planting and pruning with regular feeding using CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20. This ensures your Murraya hedge stays lush, green, and full of flowers all year round.