How to grow griselinia

How to grow griselinia

Grow Griselinia littoralis in well-drained soil in full sun. Prune once a year in late-spring. Protection may be needed in harsh winters.

Where to grow griselinia

Grow Griselinia littoralis in well-drained soil in full sun. It can be grown in a variety of situations and is particularly suitable for coastal areas, but avoid growing in very exposed sites.

How to plant griselinia

Griselinia plants are available bare-rooted or container-grown. Bare-rooted plants are cheaper to buy but require a bit more consideration when planting, and should be planted when dormant, in late autumn or early spring. Container-grown griselinia can be planted at any time of year, as long as the soil isn't frozen or baked in the summer sun.

Prepare the soil well before planting, ensuring the soil is free draining and not waterlogged. Plant griselinia at the same depth it was in the pot or field (look for a soil 'tide mark' on bare-rooted plants), firm soil around each plant and water well. If you're planting a griselinia hedge up to 2m in height, space plants 30-60cm apart. If you want a taller hedge, space plants up to 75cm apart.

How to care for griselinia

Griselinia plants need very little care. Prune once a year, from late spring to early summer. Use canes and string set to your desired height and width, and trim within those parameters. Bear in mind that hedges receive more light at the top than the bottom, so aim to cut the foliage at the top slightly more than at the bottom. Mulch annually in spring or autumn.

How to propagate griselinia

Propagate griselinia by taking semi-ripe cuttings from late-summer to autumn. Choose healthy growth and cut it back using sharp secateurs. Trim them to 10-15cm, cutting just below a leaf node, and remove the lower leaves so there are around four remaining. Push your cuttings into prepared pots of gritty, peat-free compost. Water and allow to drain, then cover with a plastic bag or propagator lid to prevent evaporation. Keep the compost moist and remove the plastic bag or propagator lid when you see signs of new growth.

Pests and diseases

Griselinia is generally a pest-free shrub but can sometimes be affected by leaf spot. Remove affected leaves and thin out congested brances to improve air flow around the plants.

Griselinia varieties to grow

• • Griselinia hedge

Griselinia littoralis – fast-growing, large evergreen shrub with light green, broadly oval leaves. The inconspicuous yellow summer flowers are followed by purple fruits, if both sexes are grown together. It makes an excellent hedging plant for sheltered sites and coastal regions but isn’t hardy in exposed or northerly sites.

• • • Buy Griselinia littoralis from Crocus

Griselinia 'Dixon's Cream' – a variegated form with cream edges to the evergreen leaves. It will grow at a rate of around 20-40cm a year, so it is easily maintained as a hedge.

• • • Buy Griselinia littoralis 'Dixons Cream' from Burncoose