How to Grow Griselinia
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Griselinia
Griselinia littoralis
shrubGriselinia is a dense, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand with glossy, leathery bright green leaves and a compact, upright growth habit. It's valued as an ornamental plant for hedging, screening, and specimen planting, and tolerates coastal conditions exceptionally well. The plant produces small greenish flowers followed by purple berries in favorable conditions.
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Example Griselinia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Griselinia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Griselinia
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11, with best performance in maritime and temperate climates
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Get my Griselinia timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung plant with initial leaf development; slower growth in first year
Water regularly and consistently. Mulch around base. Protect from harsh winds in first season. Avoid heavy pruning.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsPlant develops dense branching structure with glossy bright green foliage
Maintain consistent moisture. Light formative pruning can encourage bushier growth. Feed monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer.
Maturing
OngoingDevelops into substantial shrub with full dense canopy; may reach 12-15 feet tall if unpruned
Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and size. Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Tolerates hard pruning well.
Flowering
Several weeks in spring-summerProduces inconspicuous small greenish-yellow flowers along branches
Light feeding encourages flowering. Flowers appear spring to summer. Not ornamentally significant.
Fruiting
Summer through winterPurple-black berries develop following pollination; attracts birds
Requires cross-pollination for berry set. Leave some flowers unpruned if fruit desired. Berries persist for months.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation. Remove affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe.
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Inspect regularly, especially in warm climates. Prune heavily infested branches. Use horticultural oil spray in growing season.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Yellow sticky traps. Insecticidal soap for persistent infestations.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Uses
Hedging and screening
HouseholdGriselinia is exceptional as a formal or informal hedging plant, creating dense, attractive screens that tolerate coastal salt spray, wind, and poor soils. It responds well to regular pruning and maintains a neat appearance year-round. [source]
Bird food and shelter
WildlifeThe purple berries attract native birds, and the dense evergreen foliage provides excellent nesting and shelter habitat for wildlife throughout the year. [source]
Specimen and foundation planting
OrnamentalThe bright glossy green foliage and naturally compact form make griselinia an attractive focal point in gardens, and it works well in foundation plantings, coastal gardens, and contemporary landscapes. [source]
Coastal and salt-tolerant landscaping
HouseholdGriselinia excels in challenging maritime conditions, tolerating salt spray, strong winds, and poor sandy or clay soils that defeat many ornamental shrubs. [source]
Cut foliage for arrangements
CraftThe attractive glossy leaves and neat branching structure make griselinia foliage popular for fresh and dried floral arrangements and decorative work. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested. For ornamental berries, allow flowers to set fruit naturally without heavy pruning. Prune strategically in late winter or spring for shape and size control. Can be cut for fresh foliage arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Griselinia is native to New Zealand and adapts exceptionally well to maritime climates, often thriving in conditions where salt spray and strong winds would damage other plants.
- 🌱 The species name 'littoralis' refers to its coastal habitat origins, and it's sometimes called 'New Zealand broadleaf' in the trade.
- 🌱 Griselinia can be grown in containers and responds well to heavy pruning and topiary, making it suitable for sculptural forms and formal gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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