Griselinia littoralis

Description

Common Name: Griselinia Hedge, New Zealand Broadleaf
Botanical Name: Griselinia littoralis
Plant Type: Evergreen hedge
Mature Height: 1.5-3m (as hedge)
Mature Spread: 60-90cm (hedge width)
Flowering Period: May-June (inconspicuous)
Flower Colour: Yellowish-green (small, insignificant)
Foliage: Glossy bright green oval leaves, evergreen
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy in most of UK and Ireland, may need protection in severe winters)
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade, excellent coastal tolerance
Maintenance: Low to moderate (2-3 trims per year)

Description

Like emerald curtains dancing in ocean breezes, Griselinia littoralis hedging brings fresh, contemporary elegance to gardens with its distinctive glossy foliage that gleams like polished jade, creating one of the most attractive and fast-growing evergreen hedges for Irish coastal and temperate gardens. This magnificent evergreen hedge captures the essence of New Zealand’s pristine landscapes with its bright, cheerful appearance that brings year-round colour and vitality, whilst the unique oval leaves create beautiful textural interest that sets it apart from traditional hedging plants.

Each perfectly formed hedge displays the most exquisite bright green leaves with a lustrous, almost waxy surface that reflects light beautifully, creating a fresh, clean appearance that remains vibrant throughout every season. The rapid growth rate and dense branching habit ensure quick establishment and excellent screening, whilst the naturally neat growth pattern requires minimal intervention to maintain an attractive, informal hedge that suits both contemporary and traditional garden settings.

The exceptional coastal tolerance makes griselinia hedging invaluable for seaside gardens where salt winds and harsh conditions challenge other evergreen plants, thriving in exposed positions whilst providing essential shelter and windbreak protection. This vigorous variety tolerates a wide range of growing conditions including sandy soils and urban pollution, making it one of the most versatile and reliable fast-growing hedges for Irish gardens seeking quick results.

Beloved by modern gardeners for its fresh appearance and rapid establishment, littoralis combines outstanding ornamental appeal with exceptional practical benefits and remarkable adaptability. Plant to create contemporary screening that provides instant impact, use as coastal windbreak hedging in exposed locations, or establish as boundary hedging that will provide privacy, shelter, and year-round fresh green beauty with minimal maintenance requirements.

Caragh’s Garden Notebook

Plant in spring after the last frost in well-prepared, fertile soil with excellent drainage, as griselinia dislikes waterlogged conditions. Choose a position with good air circulation and protection from harsh winter winds in inland areas, though coastal sites provide ideal conditions. Space plants 60-90cm apart in a single row for quick establishment and dense coverage.

Maintain soil fertility with annual mulching using organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure applied in spring, ensuring good drainage around the root zone. Water regularly during the first growing season and during dry spells, as consistent moisture promotes rapid growth, though avoid overwatering which can cause root problems.

Trim 2-3 times during the growing season (late spring, midsummer, and early autumn) to maintain shape and encourage dense growth, using sharp hedge trimmers to preserve the glossy leaf surface. The fast growth rate means regular trimming is essential to maintain a neat appearance, though the naturally dense habit makes shaping straightforward.

Feed established hedges with general purpose fertiliser in early spring to promote vigorous growth and maintain the spectacular glossy green colouring that makes this hedge so distinctive. In colder inland areas, provide winter protection with horticultural fleece during severe weather to prevent frost damage to young plants.

Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first two years after planting, as griselinia benefits from consistent moisture for optimal growth and leaf quality. The shallow root system requires protection from temperature extremes through organic mulching, though avoid mulching too close to the stem base to prevent fungal issues.