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Griselinia Plant Guides & Hedge Advice

The Plant Company grows and sells thousands of Griselinia plants throughout NZ. We pride ourselves on producing high quality plants and seeing the joy from our customers when they receive them. Explore our plants and the expert advice articles which have been produced by experienced gardeners and nurseryman. These articles cover key questions about growing Griselinias successfully and choosing the right variety.

Garden Style

Usage

Flower Colour

Flowering Season

Location

Fragrant Flowers

NZ Native

Coastal Conditions

Seasonality

How To Find Beautiful Griselinia Plants In NZ

The Plant Company prides itself on growing and sourcing the best plants for our customers. Strict quality standards mean that only the best Griselinia plants will ever be dispatched. We have a wide variety of Griselinia varieties that thrive in New Zealand’s climate. Each plant is packed with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in at its nursery. Our impressive google ranking is testament to how well we perform so you can shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Planting And Growing Griselinia Littoralis

Planting Griselinia littoralis 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.

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, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. Once out, you need to assess the roots before progressing. If they are not all bound up, and haven’t been growing in a circle within the container, place the plant in the hole without removing any of the growing media or cutting the roots. You can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. If, however, the roots have been circling the inside of the pot or they look totally root bound, simply cut through those very outer roots on either side. You don’t need to be any more aggressive than this or remove any of the growing media. You can try and tease the roots apart, but this generally breaks them which is why we cut them.

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 shrub fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.

Where Do Griselinias Grow Best?

A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Griselinias. 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. Where ever they are grown, make sure they have plenty of room to expand!

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.

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 Is The Best Soil For Griselinias Grown In A Container?

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.

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.

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.

What Are The Benefits Of Growing Griselinia Littoralis?

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

Can Griselinias Grow In The 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.

Now assess the roots before progressing. If they are not all bound up, and haven’t been growing in a circle within their original container, place the plant in the new pot without removing any of the growing media or cutting the roots. You can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. If, however, the roots have been circling the inside of the pot or they look root bound, simply cut through those outer roots on either side with secateurs. You don’t need to be any more aggressive than this or remove any of the growing media. You can try and tease the roots apart, but this generally breaks them which is why we cut them. Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods.

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.

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.

How To Grow Griselinias Outdoors?

Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Griselinia. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. 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 shrub fertiliser on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

There are specific articles to help you grow amazing Griselinias:

* How To Plant A Griselinia

* How To Trim A Griselinia

* Best Fertiliser For Griselinias Grown In Soil

* When To Water Griselinias

* How To Mulch Griselinias

* Griselinia Issues And Troubleshooting

How To Mulch 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Is The Lifespan Of The Griselinia?

The lifespan of a Griselinia, specifically the Griselinia littoralis, is known for being quite long, generally exceeding 50 years. Some sources even mention these plants reaching well over 100 years in optimal conditions!

Griselinia Varieties Grown In NZ

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

Griselinia littoralis

Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury'

Griselinia lucida

Griselinia littoralis variegata

Other Griselinia Varieties:

When choosing a Griselinia variety, it is important to consider the size, shape, and growth rate of the plant. If you want specialist advice, check out our expert advice guides which have a suite of expert advice articles about Griselinia. or you can contact us.

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.

Griselinia Variety Recommendations

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:

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

Griselinia Broadway Mint Characteristics

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

Griselinia Lucida Characteristics

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:

Habit:

Flowers and Fruit:

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 Canterbury Characteristics

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:

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 Adrmore Emerald Characteristics

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:

Habit and Growth:

Flowers and Fruits:

Additional Characteristics:

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.

Design Ideas For 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. Explore [The Plant Company’s] range of Griselinia varieties to find the one(s) that will suit your design needs!

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.

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 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.

How To Care For Griselinias In Spring?

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising and mulching around 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.

Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with a mulch (if not done already) during winter or spring. The Plant Company recommends an organic mulch is used as this breaks down over time to provide nutrients and improves the soil. 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.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken 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.

Check plants for any 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.

How To Care For Griselinias In Summer?

Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken daily 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. Don’t be fooled that even though they will tolerate dry periods, that they won’t benefit from being watered.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have previously 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 encourages more foliage as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it. Please note: The Plant Company does not recommend using solid fertilisers at this time of year unless plenty of water can be applied.

The other required activities for Griselinias during summer are weed control and monitoring for pests and diseases. Keeping the weeds down around the plant and cutting off any stray branches will help keep the plants tidy. 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.

How To Care For Griselinias In Autumn?

Caring for Griselinias in autumn is all about weed control and keeping the plants healthy. Keeping the weeds down around the plant and cutting off any stray branches will also help with maintaining a tidy plant.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have previously 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 which will aid the plant immensely as it shoots new growth in spring. You can apply shrub fertiliser but this should only be done it if can be watered in well.

Finally, monitor for pests and diseases, and if anything is looking a little bit unusual, refer to our articles under Griselinia Issues And Troubleshooting.

Best 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.

Best Fertiliser For A Griselinia Hedge

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. [The Plant Company’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Growing A Griselinia Littoralis Hedge, 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.

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 as long as 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.

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.

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 Grow A Griselinia Littoralis Broadway Mint Hedge And The Correct 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’s]. 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.

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.

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 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.

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

Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia littoralis 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia littoralis 'Canterbury'

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.

Griselinia Hedge Problems, Disease, 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 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 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 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.

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.

Where Can I Find Griselinia Plants For Sale In NZ?

The Plant Company offers a comprehensive range of Griselinia varieties. We appreciate that buying online is somewhat of a leap of faith, given you are putting your trust in us. Please rest assured that we only ship plants that we would happily buy and plant ourselves. Trust in The Plant Company to supply your Griselinia needs and allow us to impress you both with our quality and service. Our impressive Google Rating shows we are good at what we do!

How Much Are Griselinia Plants?

Griselinia plants generally start at about $15 for a reasonably sized plant and can go to $250 for a much taller and dense plant that is 18-24 months older. The Plant Company recommends that very small plants are avoided as they can fail and take a long to establish. Any savings you thought you were making by buying small are often lost when the plants are replaced.

The Plant Company has an amazing range of Griselinia plants and our high google review score shows that we are exceptional at what we do! Check them out.

What To Consider When Buying Griselinia Plants

A cheap Griselinia plant usually comes in a very small pot and has both small foliage and small roots. The small plant can be appealing when you are on a budget, however, think of such plants like babies. They only have a small root system so they need careful attention to watering. They are also more vulnerable to disease and subsequent death. The Plant Company therefore recommends you only buy plants in a 1.5L pot or bigger to have the greatest chance of success, even if you are on a budget. Any savings by buying small are lost when they die and you have to replace them! Moreover, the plants need to be “chunky”, have a strong root system, and show no signs of disease. Be sure to check out our range of Griselinia varieties so you are buying the best plants at a competitive price.

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'


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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.

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