Italian buckthorn


Photo: P		Italian buckthorn Rhamnus alaternus* Trees and Shrubs South Australia Region

	A hardy, fast-growing evergreen shrub to 4 metres in height that has been widely used as a garden hedge. The leaves are dark green and leathery, up to 5 cm long with finely serrate edges.

HOW IT SPREADS Seeds are spread by birds into coastal vegetation and forest, where it can form dense thickets by suckering and displace native shrubs.





Suggested Alternatives: Escallonia 'Iveyi'

Alternative Plants


Photo: © immij pty ltd		Lilly Pilly Acmena smithii minor Trees and Shrubs

	A dense-foliaged, medium tree that grows 8–10 m high by 6 m wide. The leaves are glossy green. Flowers are creamy-white in spring–summer followed by fleshy fruits, white to purple in colour. This is an extremely hardy plant that will grow in full-sun to partial shade. It is most often used for hedging and topiary where it can be trimmed to shape. New growth is glossy bronze-red in colour, maturing to mid-green. Generally considered to be resistant to Lilly Pilly Psyllid.

Photo: Nursery & Garden Industry South Australia		Mexican orange blossom Choisya ternata Trees and Shrubs

	A showy shrub that grows 1 to 2 metres tall with dark glossy green leaves and clusters of white flowers in spring and summer that have a strong orange fragrance. It is quick growing, heat and dry tolerant when established, prefers a sunny position and is frost tolerant to -3 degrees. Choisya is ideal for hedging, appreciating a prune after flowering to maintain shape, and as a feature plant in the garden.

Photo: Nursery & Garden Industry South Australia		Sweet viburnum Viburnum odoratissimum Trees and Shrubs

	A highly floral, dense, vigorous tall shrub with lustrous leaves that are bronze in new growth turning to a lush green. Grows to 3.5-4m tall by 1.5 to 2m wide. Can be used as a background planting, as a screen or hedge. Recommended for its fragrant blooms. Attracts nectar eating birds and insects. Prefers well-drained soils and some afternoon shade in hotter locations. A popular cultivar is 'Green Emerald' NB. The related Viburnum tinus is not recommended as it has become invasive in bushland within the Southern Lofty region.