Griselinia littoralis

griselinia

This plant grows well in the following regions:

CVCentral Valley
NCNorth and Central Coast
SCSouth Coast

Map of regions (click to enlarge)

Description

These natives of New Zealand have leathery, rounded leaves and grow upright, always looking well-groomed. Flowers and fruit are insignificant. Grows in California as a 10 ft. by 10 ft. shrub. With regular moisture it can reach 8 ft. in 3 years. Makes a dense, compact screen or windbreak and can stand up well to wind and salt spray. Prune by snipping individual stems instead of shearing.

Plant in cool coastal full sun to light shade in well-draining, slightly fertile soil and give average watering. Does not like hot dry conditions so best kept as coastal or with shade inland.

Many cultivars exist. 'Dixon's Cream' and 'Variegata' have leaves marked with cream.