How to Plant a Viburnum Hedge in Australia

Viburnum, especially Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum), is one of the most popular hedging plants in Australia. Planting correctly from the start ensures fast establishment, dense foliage, and long-term health. Soil preparation, spacing, and fertiliser are all critical for success.

Site Conditions

Viburnum grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. For hedges, choose a site with at least six hours of direct sunlight to maximise growth rate and foliage density. Avoid low-lying areas where water collects, as soggy soil leads to root stress.

Soil Preparation

Healthy soil is the foundation of a strong Viburnum hedge. The best soil is loamy, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. Before planting:

Loosen soil to a depth of 40–50 cm across the planting line.
Mix in organic matter to improve fertility and structure.
For clay soils, add gypsum to enhance drainage.
For sandy soils, add compost and plan for more frequent fertiliser use.

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Spacing & Planting Technique

Spacing depends on how quickly you want the hedge to fill in. For most Viburnum hedges:

Standard spacing: 80 cm to 1 m apart for a balanced hedge.
Fast coverage: 60–70 cm apart for quicker screening, but with heavier fertiliser demand.
Large hedges: Up to 1.2 m apart for broad, mature plants.

Step-by-Step Planting

Mark a straight line with string to guide placement.
Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.
Tease roots gently if pot-bound, then place the plant in position.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water deeply.
Apply mulch (5–8 cm) around the base, keeping clear of stems.

In the first year, water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Shallow roots can dry quickly in hot weather, slowing establishment if not monitored.

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Fertiliser for Fast Establishment

Fertiliser is essential for Viburnum hedges to establish quickly and form dense growth. Without feeding, young plants struggle to recover from transplant shock and may take years longer to fill in.

At planting: Use a diluted liquid fertiliser to help roots settle and reduce stress.
First year: Apply fertiliser every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer to accelerate establishment.
After pruning: Always fertilise to stimulate rapid regrowth and hedge density.

The best option is Complete Grow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20. Its balanced formula provides nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for strong roots, and potassium for resilience. Being liquid, it works quickly and supports steady growth during the critical first years.