About
Hoheria sexstylosa, the ribbonwood, is an evergreen, upright tree or shrub to 8 m with glossy-green, narrowly ovate, sharply toothed leaves. Dense clusters of aromatic, star-shaped, five-petalled, white flowers are borne from mid to late summer. Juvenile foliage is extremely variable in shape. A beautiful and rewarding evergreen tree for a sheltered, sunny garden.
About the genus
Hoheria, the ribbonwoods, are evergreen or deciduous shrubs and small trees from New Zealand with simple, toothed leaves and terminal umbels of fragrant, white, five-petalled flowers with prominent stamens in summer. Grown in sheltered, sunny gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toW Canada to Mexico
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in any well-drained, fertile, rich soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer or propagate by layering in summer or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free