When to Prune Murraya Hedges in Australia

Murraya paniculata, also known as orange jasmine or mock orange, is one of Australia’s favourite hedging plants thanks to its fragrant white flowers and dense evergreen foliage. To keep a Murraya hedge looking thick and healthy, correct pruning is essential. The timing and technique of pruning make all the difference in whether your hedge stays lush or becomes woody and sparse at the base.

Best Time to Prune in Australia

Spring: The most important pruning season. Trim after the first flush of flowers to promote dense new growth.
Summer: Light trimming encourages repeat flowering and helps maintain hedge shape.
Autumn: A final tidy-up before cooler weather. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season as regrowth may be slowed by cold.
Winter: Minimal pruning required as growth slows. Only remove damaged or dead branches.

Quick Tip: Murraya responds best to frequent light pruning rather than heavy, infrequent cuts. This creates a dense screen instead of leggy growth.

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How to Prune Murraya Hedges Correctly

Pruning Murraya hedges is not just about shaping — it also influences flowering, density, and long-term health. Here’s how to prune effectively:

Pruning Technique

Use clean, sharp hedge shears or electric trimmers for neat cuts.
Trim the sides slightly narrower at the top than the bottom (pyramid shape) to ensure sunlight reaches all leaves.
Cut lightly and often — aim for 3–4 trims per year rather than one heavy cut.

After-Pruning Care

Always water the hedge well after pruning to reduce stress.
Apply a balanced NPK fertiliser immediately after pruning to fuel regrowth and flower production. (See our fertiliser guide here).
Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Hard Pruning

If a Murraya hedge has become woody, overgrown, or sparse at the base, a hard prune may be necessary:

Cut back by one-third to half of the hedge’s height.
Do this in early spring so plants recover quickly during active growth.
Follow up with strong fertiliser and regular watering to encourage fresh shoots.

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Pruning FAQs & Common Issues with Murraya Hedges

Common Problems After Pruning

Sparse growth at the base: Caused by infrequent heavy cuts. Light, regular trimming encourages thick lower growth.
Yellowing leaves: Usually a nutrient deficiency. Apply balanced fertiliser with trace elements.
Few flowers: Pruned at the wrong time (e.g., just before flowering). Always prune immediately after a flowering flush.

FAQs

Q: How often should I prune Murraya hedges?
A: Lightly trim 3–4 times per year. Heavy pruning only if hedges become overgrown.

Q: Can I prune Murraya in winter?
A: Only lightly. Heavy cuts in winter may stress plants as growth slows.

Q: How hard can I cut back a Murraya hedge?
A: You can reduce the plant by up to half its height, but only in early spring to allow strong regrowth.

Q: Will pruning affect flowering?
A: Yes. Murraya flowers on new growth, so pruning after flowering ensures the next flush develops strongly.

Q: What should I do after pruning?
A: Water deeply, mulch, and apply a balanced fertiliser to promote rapid recovery.

Final Tip

Consistent light pruning paired with regular feeding using CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 will keep your Murraya hedge dense, healthy, and bursting with flowers all year round.