Griselinia littoralis has become increasingly popular and more readily available in recent years due to its proven excellence as a hardy hedging plant. Lesser known, is its close relative and equally wonderful Griselinia Redge. We think its time Redge got the recognition it deserves – its own time in the spotlight; so here’s a bit about Redge and why it’s the perfect hedging solution for many in need of a robust hedge, either inland or near the coast…
Like the standard Griselinia, the wonderful Griselinia Redge has evergreen, glossy green leaves, which on this variety, are offset by darker coloured leaf stalks and stems. It is a more compact grower than the standard variety, and could be considered more ‘shrubby’. If anything, it makes a fantastic hedge because of this, with its good branching habit and strong healthy, disease resistant roots.
It is also slower growing than the standard variety, growing around 30cm a year, and is therefore a great option for a lower hedge, smaller garden or even container cultivation. The standard variety may be better if you’re after a quick forming, especially tall screen, but the beauty of Redge is that if you’re after something that can be kept a bit shorter, and you want to avoid lots of pruning and hedge trimming, it doesn’t require all that work – it will naturally grow to, and retain a more compact shape and height.
It is reported hardy down to around -10°C, and will withstand salt laden winds on the seafront in sheltered or enclosed estuaries like St. Mawes and Falmouth in Cornwall. In exposed positions it will need to be positioned several hundred feet from the sea, and for extremely exposed coastal sites like Land’s End, and Lizard Point in Cornwall, we would recommend the tougher Olearia traversii Compacta. Notwithstanding this, the wonderful Griselinia Redge is a top choice for most locations, in a sun-part shade sheltered spot, in a fertile, well drained soil.
