About
A dwarf evergreen shrub to 60cm tall, forming a dense mound of sparsely-leaved, spine-tipped stems. In spring it bears tiny, cream-coloured flowers that hang beneath the branches; these are followed by white berries. Suitable for a rock garden.
About the genus
Melicytus are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs with sweetly fragrant leaves. The small male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants and the females can go on to produce showy berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Rock garden
Native toNew Zealand (S.Island)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very sharply-draining, sandy soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free