Griselinia Littoralis Information

Fertiliser For Griselinia

Providing the best fertiliser for Griselinia is important to ensure the plants thrive. The correct fertiliser depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our articles provide the best advice about Griselinia fertiliser so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Griselinia?

Griselinias are vigorous plants that require feeding to keep them growing optimally. [The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser] has been blended to give plants an initial boost and then sustained nutrition for 12-months. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. This shrub fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if shrub fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Griselinias Grown In A Pot?

Griselinias grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Is The Best Organic Fertiliser For Griselinias?

Griselinias are showy plants that require feeding to keep them looking amazing. A lot of articles have all sorts of advice on this subject which often requires multiple applications so you use more of their fertiliser. The Plant Company prefers to take a simpler and more environmentally responsible approach. We believe the best organic option is The Plant Company organic fertiliser which is applied in spring and again in autumn and will keep them well fed. You can safely apply generous amounts of this fertiliser without risk of injuring the plants. More details about this organic fertiliser are provided with the product.

What Is The Optimum Soil pH For Griselinias?

The soil pH refers to how acid of alkaline the soil is. Griselinias prefer a soil pH within the range of 6.2 to 7.5 which means they will tolerate both acidic and semi-alkaline soils. As the pH of the soil moves away from this optimum range, the nutrients the plant is taking up (or not taking up) through the roots changes. If the shift in pH is too far, this can result in deficiencies of some nutrients and toxic levels of others. In either case this can cause the plant to become sick or even die a slow death.

The best way to know whether the pH is correct for your plant is to do a test. The Plant Company has pH test kits available that are easy to use and only take a few minutes to get a result. Preferably this test should be completed before planting so any pH issues can be corrected without risking the plant. A pH less 6.2 should have sparing amounts of dolomite lime applied along with shrub fertiliser. A pH above 7.5 should have small amounts of soil acidifying fertiliser applied. In both instances the fertiliser should be thoroughly mixed into the soil before planting. A retest of the soil pH should be undertaken after four weeks, and small adjustments made again. If the pH is in the optimum range, just use Native Plant Fertiliser thereafter.

Griselinia Care

Griselinia care is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than putting the effort into planting for them to fail. Therefore, follow our advice for Griselinia care and give yourself the best chance of success.

How Fast Do Griselinias Grow?

Griselinias are generally vigorous and establish quickly. Most will grow about 50-60 cm per year provided they are at least 30 cm tall when planted. Planting shorter plants will typically only give 30 cm of growth in the first year.

Griselinias are usually trimmed during winter when used for hedging with about 10-15% of the plant material cut off. A good pair of secateurs is all you need for this task.

How Fast Do Griselinias Grow?

Griselinias are generally vigorous and establish quickly. Most will grow about 50-60 cm per year provided they are at least 30 cm tall when planted. Planting shorter plants will typically only give 30 cm of growth in the first year.

Griselinias are usually trimmed during winter when used for hedging with about 10-15% of the plant material cut off. A good pair of secateurs is all you need for this task.

How To Care For Griselinias

The most important part starts with planting and our article, How To Plant A Griselinia, provides sound advice on how to do this properly. So, let’s now assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!

Winter is the perfect time for mulching and trimming your plants. Trimming can be aggressive or subtle as you like. Typically, plants are trimmed to contain growth and encourage fresh, new foliage. Griselinias will sprout away again no matter how hard they are cut back and provided the stem is healthy. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with a mulch during winter. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both of these break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company does not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter such as compost is quite okay.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our shrub fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is our organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but they will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken every second day on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet.

Caring for Griselinias in autumn is about keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Plants should be checked for pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking a little bit unusual, refer to our articles under Griselinia Issues And Troubleshooting.

Griselinia General Information

This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Griselinias, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!

Are Griselinia Hardy To Frost?

Griselinia can take a heavy frost once established, though young trees should be protected until they are at least 50 cm tall. Frost Cloth is a good option for protecting vulnerable plants. Be careful to harden off recently purchased plants if you intend to plant these during winter and frosts are likely. Do this by gradually exposing them to the cooler conditions over a 2-3 week period or until such time as you think that a frost won’t damage them. The Plant Company recommends holding off planting until spring if you are at all worried that new plants might get frosted.

If plants do get frosted, they will generally recover. However, you will need to protect them from further frosts as this could kill them completely. Generally speaking, a good sized Griselinia planted in spring should have grown tall enough to cope with frosts the following winter.

How Fast Do Griselinias Grow?

Griselinias are generally vigorous and establish quickly. Most will grow about 50-60 cm per year provided they are at least 30 cm tall when planted. Planting shorter plants will typically only give 30 cm of growth in the first year. Griselinias are usually trimmed during winter when used for hedging with about 10-15% of the plant material cut off. A good pair of secateurs is all you need for this task.

How Tall Will My Griselinia Grow?

Most Griselinias will eventually reach between 2 m and 8 m tall (depending on the variety) if they are neither trimmed nor contained (as might occur if planted in a pot). The Plant Company has put a lot of effort into determining how big each variety will grow in an unrestricted growing environment. Far too often we see people planting a garden too densely and then having to spend a lot of time trimming or removing plants later. This is something we want our customers to avoid, and we therefore provide size information for each variety listed so the planning can be right from the start. Be sure to check out our range and the detailed information that accompanies each of our Griselinia varieties.

What Are The Benefits Of Growing Griselinia Littoralis?

Growing NZ natives such as Griselinia littoralis in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They provide great aesthetics: Griselinia have vibrant and glossy green leaves that add a touch of elegance to any landscape. Their rich, deep green colour stands out year-round, offering a touch of freshness, even in winter. Whether you use them as a hedge, a specimen plant, or part of a mixed border, Griselinia will add a lush and visually appealing character to your outdoor space.
• Versatility in Landscaping: Griselinia can be pruned to form a tidy, formal hedge, or you can leave it to grow naturally for a more informal look. They are tolerant of many different climates which makes them highly versatile.
• Privacy and Screening: Griselinia excels at creating privacy in your outdoor space. When planted close together and pruned regularly, Griselinia forms a dense and effective screen. Its evergreen foliage ensures year-round privacy, making it an ideal choice for garden boundaries or to shield your home from unwanted views.
• Low Maintenance: Griselinia is a low-maintenance plant, which is great news for busy gardeners. Once established, it requires minimal care and attention. Regular pruning, typically once or twice a year, is all that's needed to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
• Tolerance for Coastal Conditions: If you live near the coast, Griselinia is a great choice for your garden. It can tolerate frost, wind, and salt spray.
• Wildlife Habitat: Griselinia provides a habitat for birds and bees, attracting them to your garden and promoting biodiversity.

What Is The Lifespan Of The Griselinia?

The lifespan of a Griselinia, specifically Griselinia littoralis, can exceed 50 years. Some sources even mention these plants reaching well over 100 years in optimal conditions!

Griselinia Hedge Problems, Diseases, And Solutions

Griselinias do have issues from time to time. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying issue(s) and have the remedies to fix the problem. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to help you in the quest for answers to address Griselinia hedge problems and Griselinia diseases.

Griselinia Diseases

The most common disease problem with Griselinias is root rot, which is caused by the fungi, Phytophthora. Phytophthora attacks the roots and causes the plant to eventually die. The tell-tale symptoms are yellowing of the leaves, then blackening of the stems and leaves. This can happen over several months during any season and progressively gets worse. Young stems may first appear wilted before changing colour. This is all resulting from the root system being progressively weakened by the pathogen. Gardeners will often mistakenly think the plant needs more water. Unfortunately, adding water only accelerates the problem prolonged wetness was generally the cause in the first place.

The best solution to this issue is good drainage. Often the disease will start to show several weeks after a prolonged rain event. It can also occur when plants are regularly over-watered. Therefore, good drainage is essential and sites where drainage is poor should be avoided.

Treatment for Phytophthora can be a hit and miss exercise as there are no silver bullets. However, if picked up early, The Plant Company has experienced some success using Transformer. Transformer does have fungicidal properties and when used as a soil drench 2-3 times, plants can bounce back. However, if the plant is too far gone, The Plant Company recommends removing the plant entirely, and using Transformer as a soil drench before putting in a new plant. Of course, the drainage or watering issues will need to be addressed so the problem does not manifest again.

Nutritional issues can occur from time to time if plants have not been fed for a number of years. This often shows up as discoloured foliage, which, over time will show dead areas on the leaf. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with shrub fertiliser during spring.

Griselinia Pests

Griselinias do not suffer from pest issues as a general rule. We have seen the odd aphid on plants in the nursery but not at levels that would justify spraying them. That said, if pest levels are high and of concern, then a general insecticide can be used for their control. Please always read the label before using any agrichemical.

What Is Causing The Griselinia Leaves To Develop Brown Spots?

Leaf spotting can result from black spot disease, which is the same disease that affects roses. It usually only affects weak plants when conditions are wet or highly humid. It is not a common disease, but easily fixed using a Copper Fungicide. Please always read the label before using any agrichemical.

What Is Causing The Griselinia Leaves To Yellow?

Leaf yellowing can result from disease (refer to the article Griselinia Diseases) as well as poor drainage and too much shade. A sign of poor drainage is often seen by the older leaves exhibiting yellowing. If the internal leaves of the plant are yellowing, yet the outer leaves remain green, it is highly likely that they are being shaded by the outer leaves. Such yellowing in this instance is normal.

Occasionally, nutritional issues can occur if plants have not been fed for a number of years. This often shows up as discoloured foliage. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with shrub fertiliser during spring.

What To Do About Griselinia Frost Damage

If the new growth on your Griselinia has been killed or damaged by frost, prune the plant back to healthy wood above a bud after the risk of frost has passed. If a plant has been aggressively pruned in a cold climate and an unseasonal frost is forecast, frost cloth or a blanket may be used to afford protection. It is important not to cut off the frosted growth until the risk has passed as this growth, albeit ugly, is helping to shield the plant from further damage.

New shoots tend to be more prone to frost damage than older ones. For this reason, The Plant Company does not recommend applying fertiliser of any kind to plants between mid-autumn and late-winter as this can create softer shoots when the buds open.

Why Has My Griselinia Died?

There is always a reason why a Griselinia plant dies and most often it is through human error. We provide a list below of possible causes which identifies 95% of the causes!

• The wrong fertiliser was used or too much of the right fertiliser. Adding large amounts of fertiliser is the same as putting a lot of salt around a plant. Severe cases of either of these issues can result in the death of the plant. The message here is little and often is key.
• If fertiliser was put in the hole during planting without being mixed in and thoroughly watered for the next two weeks this can also cause plants to die.
• Clay soils can become waterlogged and cause the plant to drown. Often you will see yellowing and blackening of the leaves and stems as well as defoliation if this is occurring.
• Sometimes plants can be killed by weed killer being applied too close which is either taken up by the foliage or roots. Lawn herbicides applied too close to the base of plants is a common issue.
• The simplest reason may be that you didn’t water it during dry spells. Griselinia are generally regarded as hardy plants but even well-established plants can succumb to drought.
• It is unlikely that pests have killed your plant, but root disease can. This disease is associated with poorly drained soils and can slowly kill a plant inside of 12-months. Phytophthora root rot is very common with Griselinia.

Griselinia Hedges, Trimming, and Pruning

Growing a Griselinia hedge takes some thought and planning to ensure you get what you are after. Factors such as the hedge spacing, desired height, and variety are all important considerations. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming a Griselinia hedge and pruning Griselinia littoralis so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.

How Do You Make Griselinia Littoralis Bushy?

Griselinia littoralis plants can be made bushy by a “tipping” the stems. That is, pinch out the end bud on each stem and this will stimulates the lower buds to sprout. The same principle occurs when plants are lightly trimmed, as this also removes the bud at the end. The reason it stimulates growth is due to a hormone the bud produces which prevents the others from sprouting.

Further information on how to grow Griselinias well, how to care for them, resolving issues, and more can be found in The Plant Company’s expert advice section. The suite of expert advice articles about Griselinia are short and well worth the read if you want amazing plants.

How Far Apart Should Griselinias Be Planted For Hedging?

Griselinias make amazing hedges (both formal and informal) and to create an outstanding hedge The Plant Company recommends spacing them 50 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted is the general rule. With this planting regime they will close in quickly and also push each other upwards as they compete for light. The result is a fabulous hedge every time.

You can go out to 75 cm if the budget is tight but that will often result in a gap at the bottom between plants which is hard to fill. The gap results from the natural vase shape with which these plants grow. In this situation opt for smaller grade sizes and plant more of them rather than going with bigger plants as this will make the money go further and produce a better result in the longer term.

If 25L grades (or bigger) are purchased which are 1m tall and lush, you can space these 75 cm apart without issue. These grades have generally been manicured to ensure they are bushy to the base and will therefore branch and fill in more easily.

How Hard Can I Prune A Griselinia?

Most Griselinia varieties will sprout new shoots when cut right back, even to stumps at ground level. However, this relies on the plant having heathy stems at the outset. If the stumps have any dead wood or they are too old (more than five years), they may not shoot or may only shoot on one side. Similarly, stumps that still have actively growing foliage may not sprout unless all the foliage connected to that stem is completely removed.

Severe pruning using a pruning saw is best undertaken any time from late autumn until early spring. Multiple shoots will usually grow from each stump. Please note: Griselinias grown in heavy shade environments may struggle to re-establish when cut back severely.

How To Grow A Griselinia Littoralis Broadway Mint Hedge And The Spacing

Griselinias make amazing formal hedges (i.e., trimmed) and to create an outstanding hedge, space plants 50-100 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted. Similarly, space plants closely if you want a dense hedge quickly (i.e., 50 cm apart).

Variety selection is very important as not all varieties grow as tall as each other. Check out The Plant Company's range of Griselinia varieties to make sure you get the right one. We have taken great care to provide accurate information and detail about how each one grows. The varieties most commonly used for a formal hedge are Broadway Mint, Ardmore Emerald, and Gecko Green.

It is important to understand that the hedge is generally pruned in winter with about 10-15% of the exterior vegetation removed. The amount removed depends on how much you need to contain the hedge. The best Griselinia hedges are trimmed again during summer. The notion being that the trimming is little and often to keep the plants dense and lush. That said, they still look good with once-a-year trimming.

The hedge width can be anywhere from 50 cm to 1.5m for Griselinia. Narrower hedges will take more regular trimming than wider ones, however. Work out the maximum width you want the hedge to grow to before trimming as you plan the planting. Trimming is generally 5-10 cm back from that outer width and allowing for a centre of at least 30 cm.

How To Grow An Informal Griselinia Hedge?

Griselinias make amazing informal hedges (i.e., minimally trimmed) and to create an outstanding hedge, space plants 50-75 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted. Similarly, space plants closely if you want a dense hedge quickly (50 cm apart).

Variety selection is very important as not all varieties grow as tall as each other. Check out our range of Griselinia varieties to make sure you get the right one. The Plant Company has taken great care to provide accurate information and detail about how each one grows. The varieties often used for informal hedges are Griselinia lucida, Canterbury, Whenuapai, and Gecko Green.

The hedge can be trimmed as little or as much as you want given it is the informality you are wanting. Sometimes, however, it is the natural shape of the plants that clients are after but still with the hedge closing in to a large extent. In these situations, The Plant Company recommends spacing plants 1-1.5 m apart, though they will take longer to close together in this situation.

How To Prune Gardenia Bushes

Gardenias are lightly trimmed rather than pruned per se. The trimming is about shaping the plants and keeping them to a desired size. When The Plant Company trims Gardenias, we start by shaping the plant, ensuring that green foliage is still visible below all the cut stems. Once we are satisfied with the shape, we may then thin out a few old or diseased stems. This final step allows light into the centre of the plant which can help buds to expand and create a bushier plant that is more aesthetic.

Keep in mind that Gardenias flower on stems that are one year old. The more growth you remove this year will impact the flowering for next year. On this basis, there is always a trade-off on removing vegetation and flowering.

How To Trim A Griselinia

Griselinias are trimmed each winter to contain growth and encourage fresh, new growth. The Plant Company recommends they are lightly trimmed each year to the size you are after and allowing for 50 cm of extension growth. You can be as aggressive as you want as the plants will sprout new buds from healthy stumps. Any dead stems should also be removed at this time, along with stems that show disease.

A mistake often made is to not prune the plants hard enough. This error generally results in a woodier plant and a much larger plant that can be difficult to contain. Griselinias are very forgiving plants and even if you get the trimming wrong, they will recover!

The article, How To Grow A Griselinia Hedge provides great advice if this is the intended use.

What Is The Griselinia Lucida Hedge Spacing?

The plant spacing for a Griselinia lucida hedge is generally 50-60 cm apart for plants that are 30-40 cm tall already. Larger plants that have been manicured can be placed at wider spacings. The professional advice behind spacing, establishing a Griselinias hedge, and anything else you would ever want to know can be found in our suite of expert advice articles about Griselinia.

When Is The Best Time To Trim Griselinias?

Griselinias can be trimmed at any time of the year, though winter is the time recommended by The Plant Company. It is the new growth that makes the plants look amazing, so cutting out the older growth to make way for the new growth in spring is the goal. All you need is a good pair of secateurs and you can be as aggressive as you want. The plants will sprout new buds from stumps if they are not diseased. When Griselinias are grown in pots they are often clipped every 2-3 months. This keeps them dense and helps make them shapelier.

Griselinia Propagation

Propagating Griselinias is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily rooted, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.

How To Root Griselinia Cuttings In Water

Griselinias do not root well in water and are more likely to rot. There might be the odd success, but The Plant Company suggests don’t waste your time. You are far better off to take stem cuttings and root them under mist with bottom heat.

How To Take Griselinia Cuttings

Griselinias are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. A nick is taken off the base of the cutting to expose more tissue. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone for 5-10 seconds and then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of five weeks as a rule.

Griselinia Variety Recommendations

Choosing a Griselinia that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, how big they grow, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald Information

Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald' is a captivating variety of the classic New Zealand native broadleaf. This evergreen shrub boasts a range of desirable characteristics that make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape enthusiasts worldwide. Here's why:

Stunning Foliage:

• The most striking aspect of Ardmore Emerald is its vibrant foliage. The leaves are a deep, emerald-green colour, and offer a luxurious and eye-catching presence in any garden. They shine with a beautiful gloss, further enhancing their visual appeal.
• The leaves are small and densely packed, creating a lush and compact appearance. This makes Ardmore Emerald ideal for hedging and privacy screens as it provides a thick and impenetrable barrier.

Habit and Growth:

• Ardmore Emerald is fast-growing, reaching a mature height of 3-4 metres and a spread of 2-3 metres within a few years.
• While often grown as a hedge, Ardmore Emerald can be shaped into various forms. It can be pruned to create formal hedges, informal screens, or even topiaries.

Flowers and Fruits:

• Ardmore Emerald produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters during spring. They are not particularly showy but play a crucial role in attracting pollinators.
• Small, black berries ripen in autumn. These berries are not edible but provide a valuable food source for birds.

Additional Characteristics:

• Ardmore Emerald thrives in coastal environments, making it a perfect choice for gardens near the sea. It can withstand strong winds and some salt spray without any problems.
• This versatile plant adapts well to various climates, ranging from cool temperate to subtropical. It can even tolerate moderate frosts.
• Low Maintenance: Ardmore Emerald requires minimal care, making it a gardener's delight. It will, however, benefit from regular watering during dry periods and once a year feeding. Pruning can be undertaken to maintain its desired shape and size as required.

Overall, Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald' is a stunning and easy-to-care-for plant that offers a combination of vibrant foliage, fast growth, dense habit, and adaptability. Its versatility and resilience make it a valuable addition to various landscaping projects, whether you seek privacy, screening, or simply a touch of lush greenery.

Griselinia Broadway Mint Information

Griselinia Broadway Mint is a popular plant for both hedging, screening, or growing as a standalone plant. Some of its key characteristics include:

• The most striking feature of Griselinia Broadway Mint is its lush, glossy, lime-green leaves. They are broad and have a slightly wavy edge, adding to the plant's visual appeal.
• It is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that can reach a mature height of 3-4 metres and 2-3 metres wide. It has a dense, bushy habit, making it ideal for hedging and screening.
• Broadway Mint produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters in spring and summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
• The flowers are followed by small, black berries that ripen in autumn. The berries are not edible to humans, but they are a food source for birds.
• Griselinia Broadway Mint is tolerant of a wide range of climates, from cool temperate to subtropical. It is frost-hardy and can withstand coastal conditions, including strong winds and salt spray.
• This plant prefers a moist soil, but it is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. The key is the soil must be well-drained.

• This Griselinia is relatively low-maintenance but does require regular watering during dry periods while it establishes. Occasional feeding with [Fertiliser for Griselinia ]is also required. It can be pruned to maintain its shape and size as you desire!

  Overall, Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint' is a versatile and easy-care plant that is well-suited to a variety of garden styles. Its beautiful foliage, fast growth rate, and tolerance of different conditions make it a popular choice for gardeners in many parts of the world.

Griselinia Canterbury Information

Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury' is a stunning selection of Griselinia littoralis. This New Zealand native is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its attractive features and ease of care. Some of its popular features include:

• The defining feature of Griselinia Canterbury is its dense, compact foliage. The leaves are about 3-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. They are a stunning dark green colour with a vibrant gloss. The dense foliage creates a thick, lush appearance, making this plant ideal for hedging and privacy screens.
• Griselinia Canterbury has a faster growth rate compared to other Griselinia varieties. It can reach a mature height of 3-5 meters and a spread of 2-3 meters within 5 years.
• Its bushy growth habit allows it to be shaped into different forms, including formal hedges, informal screens, or even topiaries.
• The flowers of Canterbury are small and greenish-yellow, appearing in clusters during spring. They are not particularly showy but attract pollinators.
• Canterbury thrives in coastal environments, making it a great choice for seaside gardens.
• This versatile plant flourishes in cool temperate to subtropical climates and tolerates moderate frost.
• Griselinia Canterbury requires minimal care. It will, however, benefit from regular watering during dry periods and once a year feeding. Pruning can be undertaken to maintain its desired shape and size as required.

Overall, Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury' is a stunning and easy-to-care-for plant that offers a combination of vibrant foliage, dense growth, and adaptability. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to various landscaping projects, whether you need a privacy screen, a hedge, or a standalone specimen.

Griselinia Database

The list of Griselinia that The Plant Company has cataloged, worked on, propagated, and marketed is broad. Our database of Griselinia varieties is listed below:

• Griselinia 'Gecko Green'
• Griselinia littoralis 'Alpine'
• Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald'
• Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint'
• Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury'
• Griselinia littoralis 'Green Jewel'
• Griselinia littoralis
• Griselinia lucida
• Griselinia littoralis 'Maitai'
• Griselinia littoralis variegata
• Griselinia littoralis 'Whenuapai'

Griselinia Littoralis Information

Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as kāpuka, New Zealand broadleaf or pāpāuma is summarised as follows:

• Description: Griselinia littoralis is a hardy evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to about 10 metres tall. It has a dense, bushy growth habit with roundish shape and glossy yellow-green leaves that are paler and matte underneath. The leaves are alternate, leathery, and 6–14 cm (2–6 in) long. It also has small yellow-green flowers and berries that grow in clusters.
• Origin: Griselinia littoralis is a native plant of New Zealand. It is found throughout the country from sea level up to 900 metres above sea level. It is most commonly found in coastal areas.
• Uses: Griselinia littoralis is a popular landscaping plant due to its versatility and ease of care. It is commonly used for hedges, screens, and specimen plantings. It can also be grown in containers.
• Growing Conditions: Griselinia littoralis prefers well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It is also tolerant of drought, coastal environments, and wind.
• Care: Griselinia littoralis is a low-maintenance plant. It requires occasional watering during dry periods and can be pruned once or twice a year to maintain its shape and size.
• Pests and Diseases: It is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs.

Griselinia Lucida Information

Griselinia lucida, also known as broadleaf or puka, is a stunning evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It has a range of attractive features that make it a popular choice for hedging, screening, and as standalone plants. Here's a closer look at its key characteristics:

Foliage:

• The most captivating characteristic of Griselinia lucida is its foliage. The leaves are large, thick, and incredibly glossy. They range in colour from dark green to lime green, and have a smooth, almost leathery texture.
• The leaves are large and can grow up to 18 cm long and 12 cm wide. They create a bold and impactful presence.

Habit:

• Griselinia lucida can be grown as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 10-15 metres when mature. Its dense, bushy growth habit makes it perfect for hedging, screening, or as a standalone specimen.
• Griselinia lucida is tolerant of a wide range of climates, from cool temperate to subtropical. It is frost-hardy and can withstand coastal conditions, including strong winds and salt spray.

Flowers and Fruit:

• The flowers of Griselinia lucida are small, greenish-yellow, and appear in clusters during late spring to mid-summer. They are not particularly showy but provide valuable nectar for pollinators.
• Following the flowers are small, dark purple berries that ripen in autumn. These berries are not edible for humans but are a food source for birds.

Overall, Griselinia lucida is a beautiful and versatile plant that offers a range of benefits for gardeners and landscapers. Its stunning foliage, adaptable nature, and low-maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Griselinia Varieties Grown In NZ

There are several varieties of Griselinia grown in NZ. Here are some of the more popular ones:

Griselinia littoralis

• This is the most common variety, known for its glossy, dark green leaves and compact growth habit.
• It can be grown as a hedge, screen, or specimen tree and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions.

Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint'

• This cultivar has bright green leaves that are larger than the standard Griselinia littoralis. It is a fast-growing and popular choice for hedging.

Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald'

• This cultivar has dark green leaves and is a slower-growing option than Broadway Mint. It is still a good choice for hedging and is also suitable for growing in containers.

Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury'

• This cultivar has bright green leaves with a slightly wavy edge. It is a fast-growing option that is suitable for hedging and screening.

Griselinia lucida

• This variety has larger, apple-green leaves than Griselinia littoralis and is not as commonly used for hedging. It is often grown as a specimen tree for privacy or in tropical gardens.

Griselinia littoralis variegata

• This variety has variegated leaves with green, cream, and yellow markings.
• It is a slow-growing and compact shrub that is ideal for growing in containers.

Other Griselinia Varieties:

• The Plant Company has a fantastic range of Griselinia Varieties that you are free to check out.

What Are The Popular Griselinia Hedge Plant Varieties In NZ?

There are several varieties of Griselinia plants that are grown as a hedge in NZ. Here are some of the more popular ones:

Griselinia littoralis

• This is the most common variety, known for its glossy, dark green leaves and compact growth habit, making it perfect as a hedge.

Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint'

• ‘Broadway Mint’ is the most popular of the Griselinia varieties for hedging. It has bright green leaves, dense foliage, and is fast-growing.

Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald'

• This cultivar has lustrous, dark green leaves and is a slightly slower-growing option than ‘Broadway Mint’. It is still a great choice for hedging.

Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury'

• This cultivar has bright green leaves with a slightly wavy edge. It is a fast-growing option that is well-suited to hedging.

The Plant Company has a fantastic range of Griselinia Varieties that are well worth checking out. If you want specialist advice about growing a hedge, caring for Griselinias, or anything else you want to know, check out our suite of expert advice articles about Griselinia.

Which Griselinia Is Best?

The best Griselinia for New Zealand is Griselinia littoralis, also known as New Zealand Broadleaf or Kapuka. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or tree that is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including cold, wind, and coastal environments. It is also relatively low-maintenance and responds well to trimming. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, cream-colored flowers in spring.

Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint' is a popular choice for hedging, screening, and shelter. It is closely followed by Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald', Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury', and Griselinia 'Gecko Green'. Griselinia lucida is used in the same manner but has the advantage of bringing in a lush and tropical flair.

Landscaping With Griselinias

Griselinias owe their popularity to not just their aesthetics, but also to their versatility. They are commonly planted as formal and informal hedges or used as backdrops for smaller plants. They are well suited to planting around living areas, pool, and barbecue areas where they provide a fresh appeal. The lush foliage is fantastic for providing a hint of the tropics and adding both depth and texture to a planting. They can be included in most garden styles with ease and make for an exciting addition. These short articles provide some advice for their uses and pairing.

Plants To Grow With Griselinias

A wide range of plants can be grown with Griselinias. When used for hedging, The Plant Company often recommends using grasses or dwarf flaxes to bring in different colours and textures, and avoid what would otherwise be a green wall. Some popular flax options include Jack Spratt, Yellow Wave, and Dark Delight, while grass options include Feather Falls, Carex testacea, and Frosted Curls.

Trailing plants such as Lysimachia, Dichondra, or Cerastium are often used for Griselinias grown in a pot. They bring colour and a complementary style, though the colour of the pot is often the determining factor for which plant is chosen. Where Griselinias are included in a mixed planting, we will still use the aforementioned plants but now mix it up with other NZ natives such as Hebes, Flowering Manukas, Pseudopanax, and Coprosmas.

The good thing about Griselinias is that they are versatile and blend easily with most plant colours and textures in a subtle and non-overpowering manner. A key consideration with any of these pairings, however, is how big you will let the Griselinia grow to. A big shrub can quickly dwarf the plants around it and start to suffocate them. Therefore, The Plant Company suggests first determining the ultimate size you want the Griselinia, then make plant choices that keep the proportions appropriate for the intended use.

Popular Griselinia Variety Uses

The Plant Company has a range of Griselinia varieties and the choice depends on the what the plant is to be used for. The most common uses are: informal hedging (i.e., not trimmed) and formal hedging (trimmed), maintaining in a pot, including in tropical gardens, or for planting around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like.

The Plant Company recommends the following varieties based on their popularity and suitability for different uses:

• Formal hedging: Broadway Mint, Ardmore Emerald, and Gecko Green.
• Informal hedging: Griselinia lucida, Canterbury, Whenuapai, and Gecko Green.
• Growing in a container: Ardmore Emerald, Griselinia lucida, and Griselinia variegata.
• Tropical gardens: Griselinia lucida and Gecko Green.
• Outdoor living areas: Griselinia variegata, Griselinia lucida, Broadway Mint, Gecko Green.

Be sure to check out The Plant Company’s amazing range of Griselinia varieties to find the one(s) that will suit your needs.

What Is A Griselinia Alternative?

The most common alternative to Griselinias is Ficus Tuffy. The leaf colouring and plant form is very similar. Landscapers will often choose Ficus Tuffy over Griselinia for high-end designs or if they suspect the Griselinia could succumb to root rot. Certainly, if there have ever been problems with Griselinias dying or the soil conditions could cause issues, Ficus Tuffy is a safer option. However, please consider the frost risk with Ficus Tuffy as explained in the article, [Are Ficus Tuffy Hardy To Frost] when making your decision.

Planting And Growing Griselinia

Planting Griselinia and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success when you are growing a Griselinia hedge.

Are Griselinias Easy To Grow?

Griselinias are very easy to grow, but you need to have the basics right. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage. The soil should be well prepared with organic matter added from either compost or sheep pellets mixed in. Feeding your plants in spring with shrub fertiliser will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. Prune your Griselinia in winter each year with secateurs to control their growth and encourage fresh growth in spring. They should also be watered regularly during dry periods to keep them flourishing.

Can Griselinias Be Grown In Coastal Environments?

Griselinias are well suited to coastal areas as their leaves are covered with wax which helps protect them from the elements. This allows them to tolerate wind and some sea spray. However, being constantly coated with sea spray can result in leaf burning. If the soil is too saline, this can prove detrimental to plants and can result in the plants being stunted. If you elect to plant in this environment, The Plant Company recommends ensuring the soil is well prepared with organic matter such as compost and provide some shelter with regular watering during dry periods.

Can Griselinias Grow In Shade?

The answer to this question depends on how much shade. As shade levels increase, Griselinias tend to become “leggy” and more open in their growth habit. In full sun they tend to be much more compact in their growth. So yes, they will grow in partial shaded conditions such as down the side of a house or under dappled light from a tree, but growth is likely to be less than if they were growing in better light. Please note that in partially shaded environments the central leaves on the plant will often yellow and fall which can result in a plant that has mostly exterior foliage only.

Can You Grow Griselinias In Pots?

Absolutely and they look amazing when managed appropriately. Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the Griselinia is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

The key to having an amazing Griselinia in a pot is to keep trimming it to keep it shapely, contained, and dense. Typically, the plants would be lightly clipped every 2-3 months.

How To Plant A Griselinia

Choose a full sun position with good drainage for your Griselinia plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag or container, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots have been growing in a circle or are all bound up you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. Similarly, you don’t need to remove any of the growing media. The Plant Company does not recommend cutting the roots, even if the plant is root-bound as this offers no benefit. This is explained in our article, Managing Rootbound Plants.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter native plant fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.

What Is The Best Soil For Griselinias Grown In A Pot?

Only potting mix should be used when plants are grown in a container. Often people will try and cut corners and use soil or mixes that contain both soil and potting mix with poor results. The same applies to when plants are potted up with compost as it holds too much moisture. Soil also contains weeds and tends to become compacted in a container, hence why it is not used in this manner. The Plant Company has nursery grade potting media which is pre-loaded with the correct amounts of fertiliser and micro-nutrients to keep the plant sustained with nutrition and actively growing for the next 12-months. After 12-months, simply add a couple fertiliser tablets to keep the plant fed for the next 12-months.

What Is The Best Soil For Griselinias?

Soils rich in fertility and organic matter that are well-drained will produce amazing plants. The soil should be well prepared with either compost or sheep pellets mixed in at planting or spread on the soil surface after planting. It is important that the soil being planted into won’t restrict root growth and for this reason, clay soils are generally not well suited to Griselinias. Clay soils also tend to be very wet which will negatively impact the performance of the plant. A little test that can be done is to dig the hole, fill it with water before the plant goes in, and leave it for 24-hours. If the water is still in the hole, you will need to address the drainage before planting.

Feeding your Griselinia plants in spring with shrub fertiliser will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. Liberal amounts of organic fertiliser can also be used. Ensure plants are watered regularly during dry periods to keep them flourishing.

What Mulch To Use With Griselinias

Placing mulch around Griselinias helps keep the soil moist and significantly reduces weeds. The Plant Company recommends an organic mulch is used as this breaks down over time to provide nutrients and improves the soil. It is also better for the environment than the plastic-based alternatives. Whatever type of mulch is used, it needs to be free draining so the soil can “breathe” and allow water to penetrate quickly and easily. Heavy rates of lawn clippings are therefore not a good option as they hold too much moisture. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommends stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes.

Compost is not considered an effective mulch as weeds germinate easily and it is only short lasting. It is, however, a very good method of adding organic matter to the soil and should be applied before the mulch is put down.

When Is The Best Time To Plant Griselinias?

Griselinias are best planted from mid-autumn until late spring. During this time, they can cope with the stresses associated with planting (root damage mainly) more easily than if they have to also cope with heat and moisture stress as well. They can be planted in summer provided they are well-watered and the roots have plenty of growing media attached when planted. If watering is a challenge, The Plant Company advises planting from late-autumn through until early-spring. Make sure you have a good planting spade to make this job a lot easier.

When To Water Griselinias

Griselinias are lush plants, and the foliage requires good soil moisture during dry periods to stay fresh and keep growing actively. The Plant Company recommends a generous watering every second day during summer, or every third day if the soil is a bit heavier. If the young stems start to droop, you need to water immediately. The Plant Company advises watering in the morning or in the evening for water conservation purposes. Please be sure to read the article, Griselinia Diseases, as over-watering can have unintended consequences!

Even though Griselinias are tolerant of dry periods they will still benefit from being watered. During those dry periods the plants will stop growing to preserve themselves. This is clearly not desirable if you are still wanting them to grow. They will start growing again once rain or water is provided.

Where Do Griselinia Grow Best?

A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Griselinia. On poorly drained sites or with over-watering they tend to become stunted and sickly looking. This can cause and result in root rot issues that may eventually kill the plant if drainage is very poor. If you think this might be a problem for you, please refer to the article, Griselinia Diseases.

As shade levels increase, Griselinias tend to become “leggy” and more open in their growth habit. In full sun they tend to be more compact and denser which is particularly important if you are considering a hedge. The shaded option is more for standalone plants where density is less important. The position should also be moderately sheltered so fresh growth is not damaged by wind and this will help produce a better shaped plant overall. This is not essential as they can cope with wind. Wherever they are grown, make sure they have plenty of room to expand!