This pleasing evergreen shrub may be grown as a specimen, but it looks even better as a hedge. It comes from New Zealand and, as its name suggests, from coastal regions. In inland areas, it may be damaged by frost but, at the seaside where frost isn't a problem, a Griselinia littoralis hedge makes an good windbreak. Its four inch, leathery, broadly ovate apple green leaves are its greatest asset, especially as its yellowish green, early spring flowers are undistinguished. Griselinia littoralis should be grown in light, fertile, well drained soil in full sun and sheltered from cold winds. For those who like variegated plants, Griselinia littoralis 'Variegata' has white margined leaves and Griselinia littoralis 'Dixon's Cream' has white splashes on its leaves.
Propagation: Sow seed at 13°Cto 18°C in spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. |
The best specimen of this pretty semi-evergreen currant I have come across is in a garden in Wiltshire. There it has been trained beautifully against a sunny wall and this is perhaps the best way to grow it in British gardens as, being a native of California and Mexico, it may be damaged in harsh winters if grown in the open. It has charming, broadly ovate, glossy mid-green, semi-evergreen leaves on spiny red stems and, from mid- to late spring, these are accompanied by pendent racemes of beautiful dark red, one inch fuchsia like flowers with protruding stamens. The flowers are followed later by bristly red fruits. It is easy to grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun and reaches about six feet when mature.
Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer. |
Laurels were the foundation of many Victorian gardens. They are good tempered plants that will stand up to wind, cold and atmospheric pollution but do not fare well on thin chalky soils. 'Otto Luyken' is a compact bush with narrow, shiny, dark green leaves that looks particularly attractive in spring when its upright racemes of fragrant cup shaped white flowers appear. They may be up to five inches long and are followed in the autumn by conical cherry like reddish/black fruit. This cherry laurel's spreading habit (three by five feet when mature) makes it useful for ground cover as well as screening. Grow it under large lime trees but it will fare just as well if grown in sun in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil. |
