About
Lophomyrtus bullata, rama rama, is a rounded, bushy shrub or small tree from New Zealand with strongly puckered or blistered, rounded leaves 3 cm long � bronze-tinted when young, maturing to glossy dark green. Open, cup-shaped, white flowers 1 cm wide are produced in summer, usually followed by ovoid, deep black-red berries. An ornamental and distinctive native shrub for a sheltered, mild garden.
About the genus
Lophomyrtus are evergreen shrubs or small trees from New Zealand with simple, leathery, often blistered or puckered leaves, four-petalled flowers with prominent stamens and purple-black to red berries. Grown in sheltered, mild gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in bright, filtered light. During the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-18ºC as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings with heels in the summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free