Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

griselinia lucida vs littoralis

If you’re wondering about choosing between Griselinia lucida vs littoralis for your New Zealand garden, you’re not alone. These two much-loved natives are both renowned for their lush, glossy foliage and resilience in a range of conditions—but they each bring their own distinct attributes. Selecting the right Griselinia can make all the difference in your hedge, shelter belt, or landscape design. Read on for a helpful comparison of Griselinia lucida vs littoralis, with guidance on planting, care, and how to decide which variety will best suit your needs.

Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.

Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as Akapuka, is a striking New Zealand native shrub or small tree characterized by its large, leathery, and glossy green leaves. It naturally grows as an epiphyte or on rocky outcrops, but also thrives in garden settings. Akapuka can reach heights of 4-8 metres and is ideal for creating a lush, tropical feel. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade to full sun and is tolerant of wind and coastal conditions once established.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Tropical
Dietes iridioides (African Iris) flowers amidst dark green foliage.

Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features sword-like, dark green leaves and produces dainty white flowers with yellow and violet markings from spring to summer. Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant flowers continuously, providing a lasting display. This low-maintenance plant thrives in New Zealand gardens, tolerating drought, coastal conditions, and light frosts once established. This plant suits NZ gardens well, adding distinctive beauty and character.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

Griselinia 'Gecko Green' plants growing as a hedge.
Griselinia 'Gecko Green'

Griselinia' Gecko Green' is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy foliage that is deep green and held densely. It typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m...

Dietes iridioides (African Iris) flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features...

From$17.87
An elegant Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' white flower.
Gardenia 'Professor Pucci'

Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its exceptionally large, fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage. Flowering...

From$18.95
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$8.21
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.63
A large 'Ponderosa' Lemon yellow fruit.
Lemon 'Ponderosa'

The 'Ponderosa' Lemon is a remarkable citrus variety known for producing exceptionally large lemons, often weighing over a kilogram each. The fruit...

From$116.12
Griselinia Variegata growing in a garden.
Griselinia littoralis variegata (Variegated Griselinia)

Griselinia littoralis variegata carries dark green leaves with a heavy cream edge. This fast-growing evergreen typically reaches 2 m in height and...

OUT OF STOCK
allocasuarina-littoralis-
Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She-Oak)

Commonly known as the Black She Oak, this is an evergreen tree growing to about 10 m tall and 4 m wide featuring slender, grey-green, needle-like...

OUT OF STOCK
griselinia-maitai-
Griselinia 'Maitai'

Griselinia Maitai carries glossy green leaves on red stems. It grows as a round-headed, multi-branched tree with a gnarled trunk, reaching...

OUT OF STOCK
griselinia-alpine-form-
Griselinia 'Alpine Form'

Griselinia 'Alpine Form' is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its compact growth and dense green foliage. This tough plant is well suited...

OUT OF STOCK
Griselinia 'Miharo' plant with green foliage.
Griselinia 'Miharo'

Griselinia Miharo is an evergreen shrub with thick, deep green, glossy foliage that is held densely. It typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide, but...

OUT OF STOCK
Griselinia Whenuapai plants with lush, dark green foliage.
Griselinia 'Whenuapai'

Griselinia 'Whenuapai' is a compact and hardy native shrub from New Zealand that delivers year-round structure and vibrant greenery. Its dense, dark...

OUT OF STOCK
griselinia-green-jewel-
Griselinia 'Green Jewel'

Griselinia 'Green Jewel' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy bright green foliage and naturally dense habit. This hardy New Zealand...

OUT OF STOCK
Halleria lucida plant with green foliage and red flowers.
Halleria lucida

Halleria lucida, commonly known as Tree Fuchsia, is a small tree grown for its flowers and fruits. It grows as multi-stemmed plant with attractive...

OUT OF STOCK
eucryphia-gilt-edge-
Eucryphia lucida Gilt Edge

“Gilt Edge” is a variety of Eucryphia that features stunning and fragrant flowers set amidst glossy foliage. It grows as a vigorous, broadly...

OUT OF STOCK
Coprosma lucida lush, green foliage.
Coprosma lucida (Shining Karamu)

Coprosma lucida, commonly known as Shining Karamū or Karanga, is a robust New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height...

OUT OF STOCK
royena-lucida--2
Royena lucida (African Snowdrop Bush)

Royena lucida is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy dark green foliage and compact growth habit. This hardy plant...

OUT OF STOCK
Colourful Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' plants with purple flowers.
Liriope 'Royal Purple'

Liriope 'Royal Purple', commonly known as Monkey Grass, produces strap-like, dark green leaves that become adorned with masses of showy, deep...

OUT OF STOCK
Ascarina lucida tree with green foliage.
Ascarina lucida

Ascarina lucida, commonly known as Hutu, is a handsome NZ native tree admired for its glossy green foliage and elegant form. This evergreen species...

OUT OF STOCK
A large and stunning Calathea orbifolia plant with silver and green variegated leaves.
Calathea orbifolia (Cataleya orbifolia)

Calathea orbifolia, also known as Goeppertia orbifolia, is a captivating indoor plant admired for its large, rounded leaves adorned with...

OUT OF STOCK
Trachelospermum asiaticum with lush green leaves and white flowers.
Trachelospermum asiaticum (Asiatic Jasmine)

Trachelospermum asiaticum, commonly known as Asiatic Jasmine, is an evergreen climber known for its glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers...

OUT OF STOCK
'Eureka' Lemon fruit on a tree.
Lemon 'Eureka'

The ‘Eureka’ Lemon is a popular citrus variety known for its prolific fruiting and high-quality lemons. The fruit has a thin, smooth skin, abundant...

OUT OF STOCK
Griselinia lucida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dietes, Gardenia, and Griselinia, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

Search griselinia lucida vs littoralis

Key Differences Between Griselinia Lucida and Littoralis

While both species belong to the Griselinia genus and flourish in our Kiwi climate, their growth habits and ideal uses vary. Griselinia lucida, also known as shining broadleaf, is admired for its large, bright green, paddle-shaped leaves and more spreading, tree-like habit. It typically grows as a small tree or large shrub, adding a lush, native look to the garden. In contrast, Griselinia littoralis is the more commonly planted choice for hedging. Its smaller, oval leaves are a deeper green, and its dense, upright growth makes it perfect for creating privacy screens or windbreaks.

Growing Conditions and Site Preferences

A central consideration in deciding between Griselinia lucida vs littoralis is where you’ll be planting. Griselinia lucida prefers a sheltered, moist spot with free-draining soil. It tolerates shade well and copes admirably with coastal conditions, making it a smart pick for exposed sites where striking foliage is desired. Griselinia littoralis is hardier and tolerates wind, salt spray, and a wider range of soils—including more drought-prone locations. If your site is particularly tough or you’re after a low-maintenance hedge, littoralis is often the recommended option.

Uses in the Garden

Comparing Griselinia lucida vs littoralis, their best uses diverge. Griselinia lucida is ideal as a feature shrub, smaller screen, or foliage contrast in native borders, while Griselinia littoralis remains a favourite for clipped formal hedging, structured shelter belts, and large-scale plantings. For added variety, consider Griselinia littoralis variegata (Variegated Griselinia), which brings creamy-edged leaves to brighten shady gardens, or cultivar options like Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' and Griselinia 'Canterbury' for subtle differences in colour and leaf shape.

Choosing the Right Griselinia for You

Ultimately, the choice between Griselinia lucida vs littoralis comes down to site conditions, function, and personal preference. If you love bold, tropical foliage in a slightly wilder form, Griselinia lucida is a standout. For formal hedges or durability in challenging conditions, Griselinia littoralis is unbeatable. Explore our full range of Griselinia to find the perfect fit for your planting project and create a garden that thrives in every season.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews