Griselinia lucida (Akapuka)

Landscaping uses for Griselinia lucida (Akapuka)

Use Griselinia lucida (Akapuka) for mixed borders, feature planting, and layered garden designs. Position it where its natural form can be appreciated and allow sufficient space for mature growth. Combine it with plants that enjoy similar light, soil, and watering conditions for a practical and cohesive display. Repeated planting adds rhythm, while a single specimen can create a distinctive focal point. Choose a position that balances visual appeal with easy access for care.

What is the optimum Griselinia lucida hedge spacing?

Growing a fantastic Griselinia lucida hedge starts with determining the optimum plant spacing. As a general guide, 50 cm is the ideal spacing between plants for a Griselinia hedge. If you want the hedge to fill in more quickly, you can reduce the spacing to 40 cm. However, going wider than 50 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in, and this can cause frustration. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing, the plants compete for light, and in doing so, they push each other upwards. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends a spacing of 40-50 cm to achieve an impressive Griselinia lucida hedge.

Planting and Care Tips for Griselinia lucida (Akapuka)

Plant Griselinia lucida in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during establishment. Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Our expert guides help ensure your Griselinia lucida thrives in NZ gardens.

Why buy Griselinia lucida (Akapuka)From The Plant Company?

We supply premium nursery-grown Griselinia lucida plants selected for New Zealand's climate. Our healthy, robust shrubs establish quickly and come with expert advice to help your garden flourish. Enjoy fast, reliable nationwide delivery and personalised support.

What is the difference between Griselinia lucida and Griselinia littoralis?

Griselinia littoralis is the more versatile and commonly used species, particularly for hedging, due to its hardiness, dense growth, and smaller leaf size. Griselinia lucida offers a more tropical aesthetic with its larger, glossy leaves, but is less tolerant of harsh conditions, particularly wind and frost.

What is the Griselinia lucida growth rate?

The growth rate of Griselinia lucida depends on where it is positioned and how well it is cared for. In a warm climate with good growing conditions, it will grow to 5 m tall and 2 m wide in 8-10 years. Where anything impedes the growth such as drought, wind exposure, cold climates it will grow at a slower rate. While this tree can grow to 5 m tall, it is often clipped to smaller sizes and often into a hedge. Overall, the growth rate is considered medium-fast relative to other NZ native plants.

How to grow a Griselinia lucida hedge in NZ

Growing an amazing Griselinia lucida hedge in NZ starts with determining the plant spacing. As a general guide, 50 cm between the plants is the ideal spacing for a Griselinia hedge. If you want the hedge to fill in faster, you can shorten the spacing to 40 cm. Make sure you use a string line to get the hedge straight. Start clipping the hedge from a young age. Each time the tip of a branch is removed, the buds below it will sprout. The advice is therefore to trim little and often to achieve a dense hedge that is uniform and highly aesthetic. Finally, make sure the soil is well-drained otherwise all your efforts could be futile.