Griselinia Gecko Green is a dwarf form of the common native Broadleaf, and is a striking evergreen shrub characterised by glossy, leathery leaves. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 meters, making it a great choice for hedges in a smaller garden. Its dense growth and vibrant foliage provide both privacy and aesthetic appeal. Griselinia produces small, inconspicuous flowers during the summer months, followed by small, ornamental berries. While the flowers may not be a primary attraction, they do support local pollinators. This evergreen is hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, including coastal exposure and light frost. It is well-suited to New Zealand's temperate climate.
 
Watering
Griselinia Gecko Green prefers well-drained soil and regular, even moisture. Water newly planted shrubs deeply to help establish their root systems. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, but consistent watering during dry spells is beneficial.
 
Feeding
Fertilise Griselinia in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
 
Pruning
Being a dwarf form of Griselinia, Gecko Green doesn’t require much attention, but occasional pruning is recommended to maintain a tidy shape and encourage dense growth. Prune it in early spring before new growth begins. This will help maintain its size, promote branching, and remove any dead or damaged branches.
 
Overwintering
Griselinia Gecko Green is generally hardy and requires minimal special care during the winter. However, providing a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help protect the roots from extreme cold.
 
Birds & Bees
While Griselinia's flowers are small and inconspicuous, they do attract pollinators like bees. The berries that follow the flowers may also be a food source for birds.
 
Location
In the wild, Griselinia is commonly found along the coastal areas of New Zealand, where it thrives in sandy soils and is exposed to salt spray. It's an excellent choice for coastal gardens and can also adapt well to other New Zealand regions.
 
Propagation
Griselinia can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems for the best results. Root them in a well-draining medium.
 
Diseases
Griselinia is generally disease-resistant but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Ensure good drainage to prevent this issue.
 
Insects & Pests
The shrub may occasionally be affected by common garden pests like aphids or scale insects. These can be controlled with appropriate insecticides or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
 
Substitutes
There is a wide range of Griselinia cultivars to choose from, all of which can make a suitable substitute for Gecko Green, except most of them are a larger form so may require more pruning.
 
Plants to Pair With
Griselinia pairs beautifully with other coastal plants like Coprosma, Hebe, or native grasses. These combinations can create a harmonious and visually appealing garden landscape.