Griselinia littoralis Green Horizon ('Whenuapai') (PBR)
New Zealand privet
- Position: full sun
- Soil: light, fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
This handsome, fast-growing evergreen shrub makes a great hedge or screen - and because it can take filtered salt-laden wind in its stride, it's particularly useful in a protected coastal setting. The rich green, broadly oval leaves look great all year (even in the depths of winter), and they have a lovely lustre to their surface. - Garden care: In April or May lightly cut back any shoots that spoil the symmetry of the plant. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant. Protect from cold, drying winds and excessively low winter temperatures.