Kapuka Plant Care

Kapuka (Griselinia littoralis) belongs to the Griseliniaceae family within the Griselinia genus. Kapuka is native to New Zealand. Kapuka is also known as Broadleaf, New Zealand Broadleaf.

Kapuka displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Kapuka produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kapuka every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Kapuka thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Griselinia littoralis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Kapuka prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil with good aeration, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand. Good drainage is essential for Kapuka to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kapuka every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with good aeration, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kapuka is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Kapuka can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Kapuka while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Kapuka is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kapuka can be propagated through griselinia can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Similar propagation techniques also apply to griselinia jodinifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Kapuka is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Kapuka grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Kapuka is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Kapuka as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.