Griselinia (Pot Grown)

Most evergreen hedges are dark; Griselinia is a wall of fresh apple-green that lifts a garden instead of closing it in. Behind the soft looks is a New Zealand coastal native that treats salt spray and sea wind as normal weather — the signature hedge of seafront gardens across the west of Britain and Ireland — and it’s just as handsome inland in sheltered, mild or urban gardens with decent drainage.

WHICH SIZE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Griselinia establishes fast at any size, so it’s budget against head start: smaller plants for long runs, larger for screening in the first season. Plant 3 per metre (or 2 per metre with larger plants). One tip from the nursery: on very exposed coastal plots, start smaller rather than larger — young plants root in and adapt to wind better than tall ones.

All heights are measured from the top of the pot to the top of the plant.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Full sun or light shade, any reasonable soil with decent drainage — waterlogged roots are the one thing it won’t forgive. Hardy through typical UK winters; in cold inland frost pockets a severe winter can scorch the foliage, which is usually cosmetic — trim out the damage in late spring and it regrows. One trim a year holds a clean line.

PLANTING & AFTERCARE

Plant with the rootball level in a well-broken hole with bone meal, firm and water deeply. On heavy ground, plant slightly proud on a ridge of improved soil to keep the roots out of the wet. Weekly deep watering through the first summer, spring feed, annual trim cut slightly narrower at the top.

GROWN AT NEWGATE

Griselinia raised soft under glass sulks the first time it meets real weather — ours is grown and hardened outdoors in Lancashire, so it arrives ready. UK-wide delivery quoted at checkout, or click and collect seven days a week.