Griselinia littoralis

Griselinia littoralis Care Guide

Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as New Zealand broadleaf, is a popular evergreen shrub that offers lush, glossy green foliage and is widely used as a hedge or screening plant. Its hardy nature, fast growth, and ability to tolerate various conditions make it a favorite choice for gardeners looking to create dense hedges or windbreaks. In this care guide, you'll learn how to plant, maintain, and prune Griselinia littoralis to keep it healthy and thriving in your garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Griselinia littoralis

Griselinia littoralis thrives in many environments, particularly coastal areas, thanks to its high tolerance for salt-laden winds and exposure. Here are some key growing conditions to keep in mind for successful planting:

• Location: Griselinia prefers a sunny or partially shaded position, but it can tolerate light shade. It’s perfect for coastal gardens, where other plants might struggle due to salty winds.
• Soil: Griselinia littoralis grows best in well-drained soil. It adapts well to sandy or loamy soil, though it can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, provided it has good drainage.
• Watering: During its first year of growth, Griselinia requires regular watering to help establish a strong root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Watering and Feeding Requirements

Ensuring your Griselinia receives the proper amount of water and nutrients is essential for its rapid and healthy growth.

• Watering: For young plants, water thoroughly once a week until established. In hot, dry weather, more frequent watering may be necessary. Established plants are drought-resistant and require less frequent watering but still benefit from occasional hydration during very dry periods.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth and healthy leaves. If desired, you can feed again in mid-summer to boost vitality during the growing season.

Pruning and Maintenance

Griselinia littoralis responds well to pruning and can be shaped to create a formal hedge or left to grow naturally. Pruning helps maintain the desired shape and encourages bushier growth.

• Pruning: Prune Griselinia in late spring or early summer after the new growth has emerged. This will help maintain its shape and size. For formal hedges, trim lightly twice a year to keep the structure neat and compact.
• Hard Pruning: If your Griselinia becomes too large, it can withstand hard pruning. Cut back in early spring, before new growth begins, to encourage a denser, more manageable plant.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or bark chips, around the base of the plant in spring to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.

Height and Spread of Griselinia littoralis

Griselinia littoralis is a fast-growing shrub that can be pruned to maintain a manageable size or allowed to grow to its natural dimensions.

• Height: This evergreen shrub can grow up to 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 feet) in height, making it ideal for tall hedges or screening purposes.
• Spread: It has a spread of around 2 to 4 meters (6.5 to 13 feet), creating dense coverage when planted in hedges or as a standalone specimen.

Light and Temperature Preferences

Griselinia is highly adaptable to various environmental conditions, but it performs best in certain climates.

• Light: Griselinia littoralis thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For the healthiest and most vigorous growth, plant it in a location where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Temperature: This shrub is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, down to around -5°C (23°F). It is particularly well-suited for coastal gardens due to its tolerance for salt spray and wind.

Common Pests and Diseases

Griselinia littoralis is generally a tough and disease-resistant plant, but a few pests and diseases can occasionally affect it.

• Pests: Griselinia is relatively pest-free, but aphids or scale insects may occasionally appear. If infestations occur, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
• Diseases: Root rot can occur if the plant is grown in poorly-drained soil. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent this. Leaf spot may also occur but is usually not serious and can be managed by removing affected leaves and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.

Propagation of Griselinia littoralis

If you want to propagate Griselinia littoralis, it can be easily done through semi-hardwood cuttings.

• Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until rooted.
• Planting: Once the cuttings have developed a good root system, plant them in their permanent location in the garden, ensuring they have enough space to grow.

Uses for Griselinia littoralis in Your Garden

Griselinia is an excellent choice for hedging, screening, and adding structure to garden borders. It can also be used as a specimen plant or for coastal and wind-exposed gardens.

• Hedges and Screens: Its dense foliage makes Griselinia ideal for creating privacy hedges or windbreaks. It can be shaped into formal hedges or left to grow naturally for a softer look.
• Borders and Specimen Planting: Its striking, glossy green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for flowering plants and mixed borders. As a standalone specimen, Griselinia adds year-round interest to the garden.
• Coastal Gardens: Griselinia littoralis is perfect for coastal regions due to its resistance to salt spray and strong winds.

Maintenance Tips for Griselinia littoralis

• Water regularly during establishment: For the first year, water once a week to help the plant establish strong roots.
• Prune to maintain shape and density: Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and helps maintain a tidy, compact form.
• Monitor for pests and diseases: Check for aphids and scale insects occasionally, and remove affected leaves if leaf spot occurs.

Conclusion

Griselinia littoralis is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that thrives in a variety of garden conditions. Whether you’re looking for a fast-growing hedge, a windbreak for coastal areas, or simply an attractive evergreen shrub to add to your garden, Griselinia is an excellent choice. With its glossy green foliage, tolerance for salt and wind, and easy-care nature, Griselinia littoralis is a must-have for any gardener seeking year-round greenery. Follow these care tips to ensure your Griselinia remains healthy and vigorous for years to come

• Size
  C2 ltr - P17

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.