Murraya paniculata ‘Lush and Thin’ (MUR01) – Narrow Mock Orange

Murraya paniculata ‘Lush and Thin’ (MUR01) is an attractive evergreen shrub selected for its naturally upright, narrow growth habit, lush glossy green foliage and beautifully fragrant white flowers. A distinctive form of the popular Mock Orange, Lush and Thin is particularly well suited to gardens where a tall, dense screen is required without taking up excessive space.

Unlike traditional Murraya paniculata, which develops into a broad, rounded shrub, Lush and Thin has a more upright, compact branching habit. This makes it an excellent choice for narrow garden beds, boundary planting, pathways and screening along fences where planting space is limited.

The foliage consists of glossy, deep green leaflets that form an attractive evergreen canopy. Fresh new growth emerges in lighter green shades before maturing to a rich green, providing year-round colour and structure.

During the warmer months, clusters of small, creamy-white flowers may appear among the foliage, releasing the sweet, citrus-like fragrance associated with Mock Orange. Flowering generally occurs in flushes during favourable growing conditions, adding seasonal fragrance to gardens and outdoor entertaining areas.

Its naturally upright form makes Murraya Lush and Thin particularly useful for creating narrow privacy screens and structured garden plantings. Regular light pruning can encourage dense branching and help maintain a neat, uniform appearance without allowing the plants to become excessively wide.

Well suited to the subtropical climate of the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland, Murraya Lush and Thin performs best in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Its combination of evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers and space-saving growth makes it an attractive option for contemporary and traditional landscapes.

Flowers

Small, creamy-white flowers may appear in clusters during the warmer months, carrying the characteristic sweet fragrance of orange blossoms.

Flowering generally occurs from spring through autumn, with additional flushes possible following warm weather and rainfall.

The fragrant flowers may attract bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.

Foliage

Dense, glossy, deep green evergreen foliage consisting of attractive oval-shaped leaflets.

Fresh growth emerges in lighter green shades before gradually maturing to a rich, dark green.

The naturally upright branching habit helps create a dense, vertical display of foliage suitable for screening and hedging.

Fruit

Small oval berries may develop following flowering, initially green before ripening to orange-red.

The berries provide occasional ornamental interest and may attract birds.

Form & Size

Height: Approximately 2–3 metres under suitable growing conditions.

Width: Approximately 60 cm–1 metre, depending on growing conditions and pruning.

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in favourable conditions.

Habit: Upright, narrow, dense evergreen shrub.

Hedging Height: Can be maintained at approximately 1.5–2.5 metres with regular pruning.

Suggested Hedge Spacing: Approximately 50–80 cm apart for a continuous narrow screen, depending on the desired density.

Growing Conditions

Position: Full sun to part shade. A position receiving good natural light encourages dense foliage and healthy growth.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Adaptable to a range of soil types provided drainage is adequate.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, plants have moderate drought tolerance but benefit from supplementary watering during extended dry periods.

Climate: Well suited to warm subtropical and tropical climates, including the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland.

Frost Tolerance: Sensitive to significant frost, particularly when young. Protect from prolonged cold and exposed conditions.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser during spring and again during active growth if required.

Pruning: Light, regular trimming encourages dense branching and helps maintain the plant's naturally narrow form.

Uses

Narrow Privacy Screening: An excellent choice for creating evergreen privacy screens where garden bed width is limited.

Boundary Planting: Ideal for planting along fences and property boundaries to create an attractive green backdrop.

Narrow Garden Beds: Particularly useful for modern homes with limited planting space between buildings, pathways and fences.

Formal Hedging: Can be maintained as a tall, neatly clipped hedge with a relatively narrow profile.

Poolside Landscaping: Creates an attractive evergreen screen around pool areas where planting space is restricted, allowing for occasional flower and fruit drop.

Courtyard Gardens: Adds vertical greenery and privacy without occupying excessive ground space.

Driveway Planting: Suitable for establishing narrow evergreen hedges alongside driveways and entrance areas, with appropriate clearance for vehicles.

Contemporary Landscaping: Its naturally upright form complements modern architectural designs and structured garden layouts.

Large Decorative Pots: Can be grown in appropriately sized containers with regular watering, fertilising and pruning.

Maintenance

Murraya Lush and Thin is relatively easy to maintain once established.

Water regularly after planting to encourage strong root development, particularly during warm or dry weather. Once established, provide occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to help conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch clear of the main stems.

For narrow screening and formal hedging, lightly trim during active growth to encourage dense branching and maintain the desired height and width.

Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy foliage and vigorous growth.

Monitor occasionally for scale insects and other common garden pests, treating where necessary.

Notes

Murraya paniculata ‘Lush and Thin’ (MUR01) is a selected narrow-growing form of Mock Orange, particularly suited to screening and hedging applications where planting space is limited.

Its naturally upright habit distinguishes it from standard Murraya paniculata, which typically develops into a broader, rounded shrub.

For narrow hedging, consistent plant spacing and regular light pruning help encourage a dense, uniform screen.

As with other Murraya paniculata varieties, flowers may be followed by berries that can be dispersed by birds. Consider local environmental guidance when planting near natural bushland.

Companion Plants

Lomandra: Fine, arching foliage creates an attractive contrast along the base of narrow Murraya hedges.

Dianella: Strappy foliage and seasonal flowers complement the glossy green leaves.

Gardenia florida: Fragrant white flowers and dense foliage create an attractive layered garden display.

Agapanthus: Suitable for flowering borders in front of established screening plants.

Westringia: Compact varieties provide contrasting foliage texture and complement structured landscaping.

Liriope: Ideal for low-maintenance edging and underplanting in suitable light conditions.

Nandina Magical Daybreak: Colourful foliage contrasts beautifully with Murraya's deep green leaves.

Philodendron Xanadu: Bold tropical foliage adds texture to sheltered subtropical gardens.

Alternanthera: Colourful low-growing foliage provides contrast in contemporary garden beds.

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