griselinia littoralis tree

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Looking for an evergreen, fast-growing solution for privacy and shelter in your garden? The griselinia littoralis tree, also known as Kapuka, is one of New Zealand’s most sought-after native plants—and for good reason. With its glossy, vibrant green foliage and resilience to coastal winds and salty air, griselinia littoralis is the ideal choice for hedging, screening, or even as a feature specimen. Whether you’re after a tidy border or a lush, soft backdrop, griselinia littoralis offers versatility and reliable performance from Wellington to Auckland. Discover why this NZ classic deserves pride of place in your landscape.

Griselinia littoralis

4.7

Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as Kapuka, is a popular New Zealand native shrub valued for its lush, glossy green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically grows to 4–6 metres tall and is widely used for hedging, screening, and shelter planting. Kapuka thrives in full sun or partial shade and tolerates wind, coastal conditions, and moderate frost. This hardy evergreen is easy to maintain and adds year-round structure and greenery to NZ gardens.

Buy Griselinia littoralis

From $22.88

Griselinia littoralis plant with lush, green foliage.

Suited to regions:
All regions
Plant type:
Trees
Height:
8.00 m
Spread:
4.00 m
Flowering time:
Spring
Tolerances:
Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses:
Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles:
Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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What is Griselinia Littoralis?

Griselinia littoralis is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand, naturally thriving in the country’s diverse climates—from coastal gardens to inland landscapes. Known commonly as Kapuka, this hardy tree grows rapidly and readily forms dense, glossy hedges. Mature trees reach heights of up to 10 metres, but regular trimming keeps them manageable as hedges or screens. The griselinia littoralis tree’s leathery leaves have a fresh apple-green hue, providing a beautiful contrast to other garden plants.

Uses of Griselinia Littoralis Tree in New Zealand Gardens

Gardeners across Aotearoa value griselinia littoralis for its practical and aesthetic benefits. This tree is a top pick for creating privacy hedges, windbreaks, and shelter belts, especially in coastal or exposed locations. Its growth rate ensures you won’t wait long for coverage, while its salt-tolerance makes it perfect for seaside properties. Kapuka’s upright habit and lush foliage also offer a contemporary look for urban gardens. If you love a green, tranquil retreat, group plantings of griselinia littoralis tree deliver instant structure and year-round beauty.

Many landscapers pair Griselinia littoralis with other cultivars for colour and texture contrast. Explore options like Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', with slightly broader, glossy leaves, or the upright Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'. For unique local flavours, consider Griselinia 'Canterbury' or the vibrant Griselinia 'Gecko Green'. If you’re designing a native garden, Griselinia lucida pairs well with Kapuka for rich, indigenous colour.

How to Grow and Care for Griselinia Littoralis Tree

Griselinia littoralis is prized for its low-maintenance temperament. Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. While tolerant of poor soils and salt exposure, Kapuka thrives with a little TLC. Regular watering during establishment and an annual mulch will promote lush growth and healthy roots. Hedge trimming keeps your griselinia littoralis tree compact, dense, and tidy.

Kapuka is mostly pest and disease resistant, making it a stress-free addition for busy gardeners. For variety in your tree and shrub mix, try combining griselinia littoralis with companions like Hakea laurina (Pin-Cushion Flower), Crataegus crus-galli (Crataegus crus galli), Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy', or Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'. For a showy spring display, consider pairing with Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'.

Find Your Perfect Griselinia

Ready to transform your garden with the griselinia littoralis tree? Whether you’re seeking a robust hedge or a handsome standalone feature, our nursery stocks NZ native varieties and cultivated forms to suit every landscape. Plant Kapuka alongside companion trees and shrubs for a garden that’s easy-care, beautiful, and bursting with life all year round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.