Griselinia Plants for Sale

Explore Griselinia: The Perfect Garden Hedge

Griselinia, often referred to by its popular species name Griselinia littoralis, is a versatile and hardy plant native to New Zealand. Widely favoured for its lush, bright green foliage and adaptability, this plant is a top choice for hedges and garden borders. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newcomer looking to enhance your landscape, understanding the nuances of Griselinia can be immensely beneficial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Griselinia—from its varieties to planting and care.

Understanding Griselinia Varieties

Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as the New Zealand Broadleaf, is the most popular variety. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round appeal, and its tolerance to coastal conditions makes it ideal for seaside gardens. Another popular variety is Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'. This cultivar is renowned for its vibrant, mint-green leaves, which add a fresh touch to any garden. It shares many of the robust qualities of Griselinia littoralis but is especially valued for its unique colour.

Planting Griselinia

Choosing the Right Spot

• Griselinia plants thrive in a wide range of environments but perform best in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Consider a location that offers protection from harsh winds, which can damage the leaves.

Planting Distance

• Proper spacing is crucial when planting a Griselinia hedge. For Griselinia littoralis, a planting distance of about 50 cm to 1 metre apart is recommended depending on the size of the plant purchased. This allows each plant enough room to grow and ensures a dense, healthy hedge over time.

Soil Preparation

• Before planting, prepare the soil by mixing in organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. This step is essential, particularly if you're dealing with heavy clay or sandy soils.

Caring for Your Griselinia

Watering and Feeding

• Although Griselinia is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during its first year is crucial. Water deeply to encourage root growth. Feeding with a balanced fertilizer in spring can promote vigorous growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Griselinia is low-maintenance but benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage dense foliage. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Benefits of Griselinia Hedges

Privacy and Windbreaks

• Griselinia hedges are excellent for creating privacy screens. Their dense foliage acts as a natural barrier against noise and wind, making them ideal for urban gardens.

Aesthetic Appeal

• The lush green leaves of Griselinia add a touch of elegance to any landscape. Whether used as a formal hedge or a natural border, it brings a sense of order and beauty to garden designs.

The Versatility of Griselinia

Griselinia is not just for hedges; it can also be used as a standalone specimen tree or as part of mixed shrub borders. Its adaptability to different soil types and environmental conditions makes it a favourite among gardeners.

Use in Coastal Gardens

• Thanks to its salt tolerance, Griselinia is perfect for coastal gardens. It withstands salty winds and thrives in seaside conditions, making it an excellent choice for beachside properties.

Mixing with Other Plants

• Consider pairing Griselinia with other New Zealand native plants or contrasting foliage for a dynamic landscape. Its vibrant green leaves provide an excellent backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials.

Want more Griselinia Advice?

The Plant Company has a host of expert advice articles that cover everything you would need to know about growing flaxes. Our Griselinia advice articles have been prepared by industry experts with the goal of enabling you to grow amazing plants.