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Griselinia lucida (Akapuka)

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.

Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.
Griselinia lucida plant ready for sale.
$17.16
$19.62
The average plant height is 30 cm
$20.85
The average plant height is 30 cm
$25.77

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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
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku10437

Why Choose Griselinia lucida?

Griselinia lucida is a bold and unique choice for NZ gardens thanks to its large, glossy foliage and striking architectural form. As a native species, it supports local biodiversity and grows well across NZ. It offers excellent performance in coastal and windy areas, thrives in both sun and semi-shade, and brings a lush, tropical look to landscapes. Ideal for feature planting, screening, or revegetation, it’s also low-maintenance and resilient.

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.

Griselinia lucida for sale

The Plant Company has the best Griselinia lucida for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specializes in growing amazing plants, and our logistics team carefully packs them for our customers. The pricing is competitive, and the quality is exceptional. Let us take care of your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Planting and Care Tips

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 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.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Griselinia lucida? We are here to help.

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