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aka Kawakawa

Native. AKA Kawakawa, small tree to at least 5 m tall with erect stems. The leaves are deep green in colour if growing in the forest, but may be yellowish-green in more open situations. Kawakawa is a traditional medicinal plant of the Māori. Frost tender. Evergreen.

The name kawakawa comes from the Māori language, where it refers to the bitter taste of the leaves, from kawa or bitter. Kawa Kawa is traditional medicinal plant of the Māori

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aka Kawakawa Three Kings

From the Three Kings Islands,this native Kawakawa, has very strong, thick, heart shaped leaves with veining. This variety is more resistant to insects and likes a dry position and will handle coastal conditions and wind. Slightly peppery to eat. Frost tender. Evergreen

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aka Swamp Musk

Native. Carpet forming perennial with tiny little leaves that form a dense mat. In summer small white-blue flowers appear followed by egg shaped seed pods. A useful plant for rockeries or in-between paving slabs etc. Likes the sun and fertile soil that does not completely dry out in summer. Evergreen.

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aka Wharangi

Forms a rounded, large bush of shiny, lime-green leaves. Grows well in sandy soils sheltered from the worst of the coastal winds. Tolerates light frosts. Small, yellow-green flowers from late-winter to late-spring. Brown fruit are produced from late-spring to early-autumn.

Once ripe, the fruit open to reveal a black seed that birds love.

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aka Swamp Mahoe

A NZ native that can be grown as a shrub or small tree. With stiff interlaced branches the green foliage has rounded serration along the edge. While this is hardy it thrives in wet, swampy areas. Great for planting in wetlands, along waterways and riparian areas. Evergreen.

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aka Puka

NZ Puka. A handsome foliage tree with big, dramatic glossy green leaves with a leathery texture and undulating edges. Adds a tropical touch to planting schemes or containers. Likes deep fertile soil and an open sunny position. Protect from frost when young. Happy at the beach. Evergreen.

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aka Pohutukawa

A beautiful low growing shrub that has lime green foliage that grows in a compact habit. In summer it can be smothered in small red flowers. Can be used for hedging, low borders or in a pot. Great for coastal planting to withstand exposure. Evergreen

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aka Pohutukawa or NZ Christmas Tree

Native. Who doesn't love the Pohutukawa AKA The NZ Christmas Tree. Attractive leathery blue-grey foliage and unique yet beautiful crimson tufted blooms that appear in summer. Tolerant of harsh conditions and poor soil but doesn't like frost. Evergreen.

This iconic NZ tree is seen at its best along the Thames-Coromandel Coast. It is worth taking a road trip in December-January just to see these coastal beauties in full flower. Pretty good specimens on the road into Whakatane as well.

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aka Pohutukawa

Native. A hardy big shrub or small tree that has glossy dark green foliage with deep burgundy new growth. Flowering late Spring into Summer with blooms of crimson pincushion flowers that are made up of fluffy stamens. Great for hedging or screening and tolerant of coastal conditions. Evergreen.

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aka Pohutukawa

Native. An excellent form of NZ's 'Christmas Tree' that grows with a clean straight trunk and has few aerial roots, making it highly suitable for street planting or the home garden. Leathery green leaves and, of course, beautiful red blooms in summer. Very tolerant of coastal conditions but not harsh frost.

Did you know that the name 'Pohutukawa' means 'drenched with spray'? Referring of course to the many beautiful trees growing in precarious positions on NZ's coastline.