Griselinia littoralis
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Griselinia littoralis |
| Common Name | Broadleaf, New Zealand Broadleaf, Kapuka |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub or small tree |
| Height | 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) |
| Spread | 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) |
| Foliage | Glossy, leathery, oval-shaped light green leaves |
| Flower Color | Inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-draining soil; tolerant of a variety of soil types including coastal conditions |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Maintenance | Low, can be pruned to maintain shape |
| Uses | Hedges, screens, windbreaks, coastal gardens, mixed borders |
| Notable Feature | Salt tolerance, dense foliage, and resilience in coastal areas |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Plant in full sun to partial shade in a location with well-draining soil. Griselinia littoralis is particularly well-suited to coastal gardens and can withstand salt spray and wind.
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Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by adding organic matter to improve fertility and drainage if necessary, but this plant is quite adaptable to various soil types.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Spacing: Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart if creating a hedge or screen to ensure proper growth and density.
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Watering: Water moderately, especially during the first growing season to help establish the roots. Once established, Griselinia littoralis is relatively drought-tolerant.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Maintenance: Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size, particularly if used as a hedge or screen. Pruning can be done in late winter to early spring.
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Fertilizing: Generally, no additional fertilizer is needed, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can promote vigorous growth if desired.
Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as Broadleaf or New Zealand Broadleaf, is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy, leathery light green leaves and dense growth habit. Reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet and a spread of 10 to 15 feet, it is ideal for use as hedges, screens, windbreaks, and in coastal gardens where its salt tolerance and resilience to wind are beneficial. The plant produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, dark purple fruits on female plants if a male is nearby for pollination.