Description
Griselinia littoralis ‘Variegata’ (New Zealand broadleaf ‘Variegata’) is a fast growing, large evergreen shrub or small tree, making it able to supply privacy and reduce noise pollution in a short space of time. It is also a robust plant, able to survive strong winds, making it perfect for a windbreak, supplying shelter for a garden or London roof terrace. It also is incredibly resilient to salt, making it a perfect seaside or costal plant. It has light grey-green leaves, with a marginal white-yellow variegation on the leaves. 2.5-11.5cm long and half to two thirds as wide make a perfect contrast in an urban setting, increasing light levels in the garden, or create a lush tropical effect.
Griselinia littoralis ‘Variegata’ is an incredibly versatile hedge and can grow on soils including but not exclusive to sand and loam. It likes well drained soil and is not particularly fussy about pH. It has an ultimate spread of 2.5-4m with a height of 2.5-4m though can reach 18m in the wild. Though as a hedge this can be easily maintained at 1-6m. It can grow up to 40cm in a year. The oldest of these in the UK is found in Tesco Abbey in the Isles of Scilly.
Griselinia littoralis ‘Variegata’ flowers are fairly small and unnoticeable, these are followed by purple fruits on female plants if they are fertilised. They like full sun but can tolerate light shade. This robust hedging plant can survive a decent pruning on their current or previous years growth in Autumn, though this can withstand more if required. As a whole they little management.
Griselinia littoralis ‘Variegata’ is native to New Zealand up to 3500ft and it has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, which means they are hardy down to -10 to -5C. It can go nicely with something with dark green leaves which flowers to give a lovely contrast.
Griselinia littoralis ‘Variegata’ is a horse friendly hedge with no reported toxic affects to humans, animals or horses.
Suggested gardens
- Cottage and informal
- City and courtyard
- Costal/seaside
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Maintenance/pruning
- Requires little pruning, prune on their current or previous years growth in Autumn
- Can prune harder
- RHS pruning group 9
Dimensions in Favourable conditions
- 2.5-4m spread
- 2.5-4m height
Growth Rate
- Up to 40cm annually
Conditions
- Likes free draining soil
Light conditions
- Full sun
Hardiness
- RHS hardiness H4 hardy -10 to -5C, (hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters).
Suitability for animals and wildlife
- No reported toxicity to horses, animals or humans
General information
There are many benefits to buying a hedge, which many people forget. For more information on why to buy a hedge, visit our page on why buy a hedge?
When buying a hedge it is important to know the different forms of hedging. For more information visit our page on Bare root, root ball, potted plants.
When purchasing a hedge it is important that you give it every chance it can to thrive. For more information on planting visit our Planting page.
