Griselinia hedging plants are great for building strong and visually appealing gardens screens. Griselinia can be best characterized by its bright, dark green, Gympie–like foliage that is generally glossy with sheen and falls into evergreen category; the plant is also very flexible and can be used for screening purpose or for enhancing the beauty of the garden. Below is the detailed explanation of what Griselinia hedging plants are, how to choose the perfect ones and how to take care of them.
What is Griselinia Hedging Plants?
Griselinia plants or especially the Griselinia littoralis are shrubs that are preferred for hedges since they are evergreen and beautiful. Most of the ferns are from New Zealand and some of the areas in Australia; these plants are famous due to their foliage and resistance to harsh conditions.
Advantages of Griselinia Hedging Plants
Evergreen Foliage:
The species of Griselinia holds its bright green leaves all year round that makes the foliage go green all the year round that makes it ideal as a screen plant.
Dense Growth:
Due to the impenetrable shrub form of Griselinia it can useful in many ways, primarily as a screen and wind breaker which is so important in establishing a more private haven within the garden.
Low Maintenance:
Easy to care for after it has been planted, mainly because it needs to be pruned to have the desired shape and to remove any wilted or damaged leaves.
Adaptable:
Adapts to various soil medium and consequently can perform well in an area with full sun or an area that is partially shaded. It also has ability to survive high humidity areas and dust like the coastal regions.
Rapid Growth:
Griselinia, which is known for growing swiftly, establishes itself and produces a strong hedge in a comparatively short amount of time.
Kinds of Griselinia Hedging Plants
Griselinia Littoralis:
The most utilized type for hedging as it has bright green foliage, and dense growth habit. Designed to be utilized with tall & thick hedges.
Griselinia Emerald Green:
Evergreen shrub of neat and densely compact habit, with strikingly dark green leaves perfect for a small garden or trimmed hedge.
Griselinia Chilensis:
Commonly referred to as having a larger leaf diameter and occupies a relatively larger area as compared to the standard form, preferred in cases where people want thicker screen or hedges.
Planting Griselinia Hedging Plants
Site Selection:
Select a soil type that drains well because this is essential for the proper growth. Griselinia is a versatile plant with regard to the type of soil the plant can grow in, and has the ability to grow in full sunlight, or in places that receive some degree of shade.
Soil Preparation:
Organic matter should also be added into the soil increasing the drainage and fertility of the land. Make sure that the soil is not water splashed as Griselinia does not like growing in damp ground.
Planting:
Grow space plants about 24-36 inches from each other to allow the plants ample room to grow. Gently remove the plant from the container, and place it in a hole that is dug to twice the width of the root ball and at the same depth as before.
Watering:
Water adequately at the time of planting and thereafter maintain a moist environment for the soil when is growing. Water your trees sparingly especially during the winter to avoid the area to be waterlogged.
Maintenance and Care
Pruning:
Trim often to shape the hedge and ensure proper thickness is attained. The minor pruning can be done at any time of the year while heavy pruning is advised to be done during the last part of winter or early spring time.
Fertilizing:
In the early part of spring it is recommended to apply a slow release fertilizer that is balanced. Do not apply too many fertilizers to the plants as this contributes to more growth of the leaf part and susceptibility to attacks by insects.
Pest and Disease Management:
Check for aphids and scale insects at these times or any other pest that maybe be there. Griselinia is not very susceptible to diseases but high air humidity and correct watering should be monitored to avoid problems.
Winter Protection:
Keep Griselinia shielded from hard winter winds and frost in areas that are colder. Mulching the area surrounding the base will assist keep moisture and insulate the roots.
Griselinia hedging plants are very attractive and easy to grow, they are ideal for creating thick dense formal hedges in a garden. Therefore, due to their flexibility, high rate of growth, and efficiency in growth in diverse situations, Griselinia can be standards to improve privacies, shelter, and beautification of gardens. It is therefore possible to avoid common pitfalls regarding the different varieties of the plant, planting and other subsequent management practices to guarantee growth of the Griselinia hedge, throughout the year.