Many of you must be wondering whether you can successfully grow Griselinia in New Zealand, but I will be honest here. Griselinia is not flashy, and neither are its flowers. No weird leaves. But honestly, you will find that it just works almost every time. I have planted heaps. Hedges, shelter, filling gaps. Never let me down.
If you are seriously thinking about planting Griselinia, The Plant Company has healthy ones grown locally. I was browsing their site, with different sizes depending on budget and patience. Smaller ones are cheaper, obviously, but if you want a hedge faster, go bigger. Everything is grown in New Zealand, so it is used to our climate. You can get them shipped to anywhere the country, too.
So, What Actually Is It
It is also known as Griselinia littoralis, which is one of the native plants in New Zealand. Glossy apple-green leaves, thick and leathery. Grows fast, stays green all throughout the year, and can handle things that kill other plants.
What about wind and salt spray? It is fine with both. Coastal hellscapes where nothing grows, you can easily grow Griselinia.
Where to Plant It
Honestly, you can plant them almost anywhere. That is the beauty.
- Full sun? Fine.
- Partial shade? Also, fine.
- Coastal winds? Bring it on.
- Light frost? No problem.
Only hate boggy ground. So, you must drain. What about heavy clay? Mix compost and gypsum. Plant on a mound if you are too worried.
Planting Without Regrets
Dig a generous hole. Twice the pot size. Mix the compost through.
Gently loosen circling roots Position at the same depth as the pot Backfill, firm gently, water deep Apply mulch around the base of the plant, making sure it doesn’t touch the stem
Space 75cm apart for hedges. Closer if impatient.
Looking After Them
First year critical. Water regularly while settling. After that, it is a bit tough.
Water through dry spells, especially the first summer Feed spring and autumn with general fertiliser Mulch annually with compost Prune regularly for dense hedges
How to Prune a Hedge
Want a nice, tight hedge? Then you must prune regularly. Not just once. After each new growth flush, trim back. Keep shaping. Use sharp tools; blunt ones leave brown jagged edges.
Do not prune heavily in autumn. Soft new growth before frost? It can be a bad idea. Gets damaged.
Any Problems
Not many. They are tough. Root rot if drainage is terrible. Leaves go black, droop, plant dies. Avoid overwatering heavy soils. Leaf spot sometimes occurs in wet conditions. Usually not serious. Pests? Not really.
How Big Do They Get
Can grow 4 to 5 metres tall if left alone. Width 2 to 3 metres. Hedges? You keep at whatever height you want.
Different Varieties
Standard G littoralis is classic. Bright green, reliable. ‘Whenuapai,’ darker leaves, more upright. Tidy. Good, tighter spaces.
Variegated exists but is less common. Slower, less hardy.
Why Bother Honestly
It just works. Fast-growing. Evergreen. Tough as nails. Handles wind and salt. Looks good year-round. Perfect for hedges, shelter, and filling space. Plus, it is native. Feels right.
