Griselinia Hedge Plants

What is Griselinia Littoralis Hedge?

Griselinia littoralis hedge, also referred to as New Zealand Privet, is a highly desirable evergreen hedging plant that has a striking resemblance to Common Privet. Its soft, oval-shaped apple green leaves make for a great visual appeal, and its ability to withstand salt spray make it an excellent primary coastal hedging barrier. Griselinia littoralis hedging is also available as a variegated hedge, see our varigated New Zealand Privet Griselinea Littoralis Variegata Hedge for more information.

This hedging plant is indigenous to New Zealand and grows to a height of around 4-5 meters when mature. It is a hardy plant that is well-suited for planting in a wide range of soil types and tolerates both full sun and partially shaded areas. When appropriately planted, Griselinia Littoralis has a growth rate of 20-40cm per year and can last for several years without needing excessive maintenance.

The hedge offers excellent privacy screening as its dense foliage growth ensures that it forms a thick, impenetrable barrier. It also provides great soundproofing, making it a great choice for properties close to noisy roads or other disruptive environments. All our Griselinia are UK grown at our own hedging nursery in Dedham. Griselinia hedging plants are available as bare root, pot grown and root ball plants.

Benefits & Features of Grislelinia Littoralis Hedges

Griselinia hedging varieties are a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike due to their numerous benefits. These evergreen hedges are known for their dense foliage, which not only provides an attractive green barrier but also offers privacy and noise reduction. Other benefits and features include;

• Excellent privacy screening due to its dense foliage growth.
• Provides soundproofing, making it ideal for noise pollution.
• Tolerant of salt laden winds, making it an excellent choice for coastal sites.
• Hardy plant that can withstand various soil types and weather conditions.
• Low maintenance requirement, making it a practical option for busy homeowners.
• Can grow up to a height of 4-5 meters when mature, providing excellent coverage.
• Oval-shaped apple green leaves add to the overall visual appeal of the hedge, giving all year round interest.
• Can tolerate both sunny and partially shaded areas, making it adaptable to a range of environments.
• When appropriately planted, New Zealand Privet can last for several years without needing excessive upkeep.
• Griselinia hedging serves as a habitat for birds and insects, helping to support a healthy ecosystem.

How to plant your Griselinia Hedging Plants

If you're considering planting a Griselinia Littoralis hedge, here’s what you need to know about planting this popular hedging species.

Preparing the soil for planting

Before you start planting, you'll want to ensure you have suitable fertile soil conditions. Griselinia thrives in most soil conditions, but prefers well drained soil, so make sure to prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensure that the soil is free of any weeds.

Griselinea planting distances

When planting your Griselinia plants, ensure that you use the recommended planting density and planting distances. We recommend 3-4 plants per metre depending upon the size and root type of the Griselinia hedge that you are planting.

Planting your Griselinia Hedging

Start by digging a trench in which to plant your Griselinia Littoralis, the trench should have a depth that is at least as deep as the root ball, and twice as wide. You can opt to plant a single row if you wish to use fewer plants, or a staggered double row for a thicker wider hedge.

Gently remove the plant from its container or wrap the roots in wet hessian if it's root-balled, and position it in the hole, ensuring that the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.

Fill in the area around the root ball with the soil. We recommend packing the soil firmly around the roots to prevent any air pockets from forming. Water the plants thoroughly after planting, and then apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering in your new Griselinia hedge plants

Once your Griselinia Littoralis hedge is planted, it's important to water it regularly until it's established. This can take between 6-12 months depending on environmental conditions. Watering deeply and less frequently is better for establishing new plants.

Overall, Griselinia Littoralis is a wonderful hedging plant to consider for establishing privacy and soundproofing on your property. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your Griselinia hedge looks fantastic for years to come.

Pruning advice and how to care for your Griselinia Hedge Plants

Caring for your Griselinia hedge involves regular watering, fertilisation, and pruning to maintain healthy growth and an attractive appearance.

Following these simple steps will ensure that your Griselinia hedge remains healthy and looks fantastic for many years to come.

When and how to prune Griselinia Hedging

Pruning is essential in maintaining the size and shape of your Griselinia hedge. It's best to prune during the summer season when new shoots are occurring frequently. Pruning encourages bushy growth and helps to maintain an attractive appearance. Allow Griselinia hedges to reach 1.5m height before pruning the top, and it's best to keep the hedge at a width of around two meters.

Regular watering

Watering is essential in ensuring proper growth and establishment of Griselinia hedges. Young hedges need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deeper root development and reduce the risk of surface root growth.

Fertilisation

Griselinia Littoralis benefits from regular fertilisation to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season, typically in spring and summer. Slow-release fertilisers can be applied every six months to provide consistent nutrient availability.

Maintenance

Griselinia are easily maintained, with regular maintenance required a couple of times per year to keep your Griselinia hedge healthy and in excellent condition. Remove any dead or diseased plant material, trim any overgrown areas, and regularly check for pests or diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Griselinia Littoralis New Zealand Privet Hedges

How many Griselinia Littoralis per metre?

We recommend 3-4 Griselinia plants per metre depending upon the size of plant and root type being planted.

How fast does Griselinia Littoralis hedge grow?

Griselinia Littoralis hedge is a relatively fast-growing plant, capable of growing up to 20-40cm per year under optimal conditions.

Can Griselinia be grown in containers?

While Griselinia can be grown in containers, it's not recommended for long-term growth as the roots can quickly outgrow the container, causing stunted growth and poor plant health.

How often should I water my Griselinia hedge?

Watering requirements vary depending on environmental conditions, but it's recommended to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deeper root development. For newly planted Griselinia, water regularly until it's established.

Does Griselinia hedge require a lot of maintenance?

Griselinia is relatively low maintenance, requiring regular pruning, fertilisation, and watering to maintain healthy growth and an attractive appearance.

Is Griselinia Littoralis hedge suitable for coastal areas?

Yes, Griselinia Littoralis hedge is well-suited for coastal areas as it is tolerant of salty air. It makes an excellent primary coastal hedging barrier due to its ability to withstand salt spray.

Can Griselinia hedge be grown in partial shade?

Yes, Griselinia hedge can tolerate partial shade, making it adaptable to a range of environments. However, it thrives in bright and sunny locations with well-draining soil.