The Story
Plant Bio
Griselinia littoralis, the New Zealand broadleaf, is an upright, dense evergreen shrub or small tree reaching ten to twenty feet in garden settings, valued for its thick, leathery, glossy apple-green foliage. The tiny, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers emerge in spring on separate male and female plants, offering little ornamental value compared to the bright, clean foliage.
This species is exceptionally wind-tolerant and highly resistant to heavy maritime salt spray, making it an outstanding choice for coastal hedging and windbreaks. The new spring growth emerges in a vivid, pale apple-green shade that contrasts sharply against the older, darker leathery leaves.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120"
Width
80"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
New Zealand
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent, free-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container.
- Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
- Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem.
Pro Tip
Never confuse coastal salt tolerance with a tolerance for wet feet; this species requires sharp, free-draining soil and will rapidly succumb to Phytophthora root rot in stagnant winter moisture.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune in late spring or summer after the main growth flush to maintain a tight, formal hedge.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly, especially in heavy clay areas.
- Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells once the plant is fully established.
Don't
- Do not plant in low-lying, waterlogged areas where winter water sits.
- Do not hack severely into old, bare wood lacking visible dormant buds.
- Do not over-fertilize; a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
New Zealand Broadleaf questions
What zones can New Zealand Broadleaf grow in?
New Zealand Broadleaf is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is New Zealand Broadleaf deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse New Zealand Broadleaf, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does New Zealand Broadleaf bloom?
New Zealand Broadleaf typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does New Zealand Broadleaf need full sun?
New Zealand Broadleaf does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is New Zealand Broadleaf drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), New Zealand Broadleaf handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow New Zealand Broadleaf with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.