Container and Planter box instant hedge planting guide.

This guide is for areas where roots can’t spread freely, such as fully enclosed containers (think pots) or open-bottom planters (raised planters, planter boxes, or some retaining walls). We’ll call them all “planters” here unless specified. If a landscape contractor is installing your hedge, please share this guide with them.

Looking for Hedges in a hurry that thrive in troughs or planters? Some varieties handle confined spaces better than others. Discover our top recommendations for areas with restricted root growth.

Handling Guidelines

• Safe Lifting: Use both handles to lift hedge bags—avoid pulling or dragging to prevent tearing. Wear gloves, as the fibreglass rods can be rough.
• Weight Considerations:
  • 100L hedge bags can weigh over 100kg when wet, so you'll want a couple of burly blokes (or other means) to carry these around your site.
  • 70L hedge bags, at around 65kg each, need two people to carry.  
  • 25L hedge bags, at 25kg, can be managed solo.

Choosing the Right Planter

Instant hedges are grown and sold in one-metre lengths (foliage) with the rootball around 900mm long.  Bigger planters are better, but here are the minimum inside measurements for each hedge bag size:

• 100L Hedge: 900mm long x 500mm wide x 500mm high
• 70L Hedge: 900mm long x 400mm wide x 400mm high

Drainage Matters: Containers need holes at the bottom. Open-bottom planters (like planter boxes) must sit on free-draining ground. Wet roots spell trouble—plants won’t grow well or may die.

Container Types: For a north-facing installation, avoid containers made of steel or dark plastic as these will heat up considerably—not great for plant roots. Instead, choose a thicker, more insulated container eg one made of concrete, sandstone, terracotta or wood.

Cross-bracing: For multi-metre hedges, ensure any support beams (cross-bracing) are placed at intervals that allow for the rootballs e.g. centres at full metre multiples.

Preparing Your Planter

Pick the right mix—you'll find these at garden centres or landscape supply yards:

• Containers: Use quality potting/container mix (great for enclosed spaces).
• Open-Bottom Planters: Use garden mix or topsoil (suits ground contact).

Don't add extras like gravel, compost, manure, water crystals, or fertiliser to the container or trench—gravel won’t help drainage here, compost/manure breaks down causing plantings to sink, and save the fertiliser for later. Mixes may already have nutrients and moisture helpers built in, which is fine.

How Much Mix?

• Measure your planter’s internal size to calculate its volume (length x width x height in metres, e.g., 1.0 x 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.16m³ or 160L).
• Subtract your rootball’s volume (e.g., 70L).
• Example: 160L - 70L = 90L of mix needed per planter.

Add mix to your planter until the rootball will sit at the right height (e.g., a 70L rootball’s base sits about 250mm below the top).

Planting Your Hedge

Wear gloves—the fibreglass rods in the bags can be rough. Set hedges near your planter, logos facing the same way. If numbered, line them up left to right.

• Unpack: Cut open the square ends of each bag. Gently lift the hedge into the trench—use the bag as a sling if it’s easier. Don’t kick or roughly handle the rootball.
• Space Multi-Unit Hedges: Place rootballs 10cm apart (one hedge per metre). Foliage should touch, but rootballs shouldn’t (see Rootball Spacing Diagram below). The bag handle is 1m for reference. Check actual rootball sizes—adjust gaps if needed.
• Fit Your Space: If your trench isn’t an exact number of metres (e.g. to fit 10 x hedges in a 9.7m trench, or 9 x hedges in a 9.3m trench), spread or squeeze the spacing slightly before backfilling.
• Cut if Necessary: Only cut a rootball if you need a shorter piece (e.g., for a half-metre gap). Saw between plants, keeping as much root intact as possible—avoid using a spade.

Backfilling and Watering

Once your hedges are upright and evenly spaced, start backfilling:

• Add mix halfway up, packing it gently but firmly around the rootball(s)—don’t over-compact.
• Water lightly to settle the mix.
• Finish filling to the rootball’s top, then water well right away. Check Watering Guide for ongoing needs.

Post-Planting

• Trimming: Shape your hedge with a light trim if needed. See Trimming Guide for more.
• Irrigation: We recommend installing drippers in containers or flow-regulated landscape drip line for multi-metre runs. See Watering Guide for ongoing irrigation needs.
• Fertiliser: Sprinkle a slow-release NPK fertiliser (like Nitrophoska®, Nitro Blue or Triabon®) over the rootball(s). These give nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—plant food!—and are sold at garden stores.
• Mulch: Add a layer of mulch (e.g., bark) to keep moisture in and weeds out. Keep it away from plant stems and skip fresh grass clippings. See Feeding and Mulching Guide for long-term care tips.

Enjoy Your Hedge!

Step back and admire your instant hedge! For care tips, refer to Caring for Your Instant Hedge.

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