New Zealand Privet
(Griselinia littoralis)

Not only does the New Zealand Privet provide screening opportunities, the smooth, rubbery-feeling leaves can also give you protection from winds and noise pollution. As well as this, considering the hardy foliage, Griselinia littoralis can tolerate many harsh weather conditions, therefore making it the perfect choice for seaside locations (and inland positions, too).

The New Zealand Privet can quickly establish into a mature hedge and does best when it is trimmed to shape. With an average growth rate of 20-40cm per annum, it is quite a low maintenance evergreen hedge, meaning you can leave it to grow on its own.

It is also important to notice that the Griselinia littoralis does prefer well-drained soil, but it is rather tolerant elsewise.

• Growth height: Average (20-40cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

Though it is a great low maintenance hedge, the New Zealand Privet is dependant on the age of the hedge when it comes to pruning times.

Regarding newly planted Griselinia littoralis (planted in the winter), you can carry out some pruning in Spring and then again in the next two following Spring seasons. Once it has then become more mature, the hedge can be pruned in the summer, on an annual basis, just to ensure you are keeping it to its best desired shape.

The pruning is simple, and you are only required to remove any dead, diseased or damaged shoots (along with the general trim to maintain its shape). Your New Zealand Privet is also likely to benefit from a feed or mulch once you have done your pruning, as to help the hedge recover and flourish.

When should I plant New Zealand Privet hedging?

The best time to plant your New Zealand Privet hedging is from the middle of autumn, through to late winter (as long as the ground is not frozen).

How far apart do you plant New Zealand Privet plants?

You should space out your New Zealand Privet plants by around 2 per metre, 50cm apart. You can go for around 4 per metre, for a much denser hedge quicker, but 2 per metre will give the plants plenty of space to establish and flourish effectively.

How to plant your New Zealand Privet:

Something we do recommend doing several months in advance to buying your New Zealand Privet, is digging over the area where you will be planting (especially if the soil is rather poor). Ensure to also remove any weeds, first - the best way to do so is through using weed killer.

Then mix in some compost or well-rotted manure, about 2 spades deep in the soil. If your soil is quite rich, then this will not need to be done, but the weeds will still need to be removed.̴Ì?

Make a hole that is the same depth as the root mass but twice as wide. Place the plant(s) in, ensuring it's straight. Backfill with soil, and press down gently but firmly to secure.

Ensure you water the hedge very well during dry weather for the first year after planting, to prevent any risk of drought stress.

̴Ì?