Overview
Dracophyllum pronum is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Dracophyllum, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.01–0.25 metres tall. Dracophyllum pronum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen plant, rock garden and coastal planting.
About
Dracophyllum pronum, commonly known as trailing neinei, is a species of sprawling shrub endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It was first described by Walter Oliver in 1928 and gets the specific epithet pronum for its prostrate growth habit. In the heath family Ericaceae, it inhabits montane and subalpine areas and reaches a height of 1–25 cm (0.4–9.8 in). Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for specimen plant, rock garden and coastal planting. It tolerates acid soils, moist conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dracophyllum pronum
About the genus
Dracophyllum is a genus of plants belonging to the family Ericaceae, formerly Epacridaceae. There are 61 species in the genus, mostly shrubs, but also cushion plants and trees, found in New Zealand, Australia, Lord Howe Island and New Caledonia. Although dicotyledonous, they resemble primitive monocots with their slender leaves concentrated in clumps at the ends of the branches; they are sometimes called grass-trees.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dracophyllum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dracophyllum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dracophyllum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Dracophyllum pronum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.01–0.25 metres
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, rock garden, coastal planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dracophyllum pronum
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dracophyllum pronum?
Dracophyllum pronum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dracophyllum pronum need?
Dracophyllum pronum grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How big does Dracophyllum pronum grow?
Dracophyllum pronum reaches a height of 0.01–0.25 metres.
Is Dracophyllum pronum hardy in the UK?
Dracophyllum pronum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Dracophyllum pronum?
Seed, cuttings.
