Griselinia is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees popular in New Zealand. This beautiful and hardy foliage is well-adapted to the country’s varied climate, soil, and environmental conditions. With its glossy leaves and attractive flowers, griselinia is an ideal addition to any garden, offering both structure and colour.
A Brief Introduction to Griselinia
The Griselinia genus is native to South America and consists of eight species of plants found in New Zealand. This evergreen shrub is widely popular for its attractive foliage and easy-care nature. The blue-green foliage provides vibrant colour all year round, while the soft and smooth leaves also grow quickly. Griselinia is highly tolerant of almost any soil, from clay to sand, and will thrive in both full sun and partial shade. The shrub is also wind tolerant, meaning it can handle exposure to strong winds without suffering any damage.
Available Varieties
When selecting a griselinia variety for your garden there are a range of options available. Some of the more popular options include:
- Ligustrina – A medium-sized shrub with a columnar growth habit. This variety produces bright glossy green foliage with yellow flowers in summer. It is adaptable to most soil types but prefers well-drained soils.
- Lucida – A tall growing shrub with an upright habit. It produces thick, glossy green foliage with creamy white flowers in summer. This variety prefers well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.
- Variegata – A low growing shrub with a spreading habit. It has attractive variegated green and white foliage with yellow flowers in summer. This variety prefers a protected position in moist but well-drained soils.
- Fastigiata – A medium-sized evergreen shrub with a spreading habit. It produces glossy green foliage with yellow flowers in summer. This variety prefers a sheltered position and moist but well-drained soils.
- Hibernica – A large evergreen shrub with a columnar growth habit. It produces bright green glossy foliage with white flowers in summer. This variety prefers moist but well-drained soils.
Choosing the Right Variety for Your Garden
When selecting the right griselinia variety for your garden there are two main factors to consider: location and size. The location will determine the type of soil and exposure to sunlight or wind. Once you’ve identified the location you can then choose a variety which is well-suited to the soil and exposure. Size is also important as some varieties can grow quite large over time, while others stay relatively small.
When selecting a griselinia variety here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
- Check the growth rate – Griselinia can grow quite quickly so it’s important to check the expected growth rate of each variety before selecting one.
- Check the height and spread – Measure the area available and choose a variety with suitable height and spread.
- Consider the soil type – Each variety prefers different soil types so it’s important to choose one which will suit the existing soil.
- Consider the exposure – Griselinia can tolerate sun, partial shade and wind so it’s important to consider what type of exposure your selected variety will receive.
- Inspect the foliage – Griselinia foliage can vary from dark green to variegated, so be sure to select one with an attractive foliage.
Once you’ve considered these factors it’s time to select your griselinia variety! It’s important to remember that all griselinia varieties need regular pruning to keep them looking their best. Therefore, establish a routine maintenance schedule which includes trimming, mulching and fertilising as needed. With regular care and maintenance, your griselinia shrubs will provide you with many years of pleasure.
