Kāpuka (broadleaf) Griselinia littoralis
Kāpuka (broadleaf) (Griselinia littoralis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Griseliniaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 2–8 m (6.6–26 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
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Kāpuka (broadleaf) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Griseliniaceae |
| Mature height | 2–8 m (6.6–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Kāpuka (broadleaf) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Kāpuka (broadleaf)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Kāpuka (broadleaf)
- How far apart should I plant Kāpuka (broadleaf)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Kāpuka (broadleaf) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kāpuka (broadleaf) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kāpuka (broadleaf)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Kāpuka (broadleaf) flower?
- From about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kāpuka (broadleaf) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Kāpuka (broadleaf)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kāpuka (broadleaf). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Glossy apple-green leaves; one of the best salt-wind hedges, widely planted on coasts of Ireland and Britain.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris