About
A tender evergreen tree, fast growing, up to around 5m high in cultivation. Produces large panicles of small, pale whitish-green flowers, followed by small green berries that ripen to black. Leaves are vivid green, leathery and glossy with wavy edges and pale undersides, and can be up to 50cm long, often clustered at the ends of the branches forming a rounded crown.
About the genus
Meryta comprises a group of plants, ranging from herbaceous perennials to shrubs or small trees. Species within the genus display a variety of growth habits and are cultivated for their decorative or practical qualities
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationSuitable for only the warmest regions of the UK, where it will thrive in humus-rich, free draining soil and will tolerate wind, salt and some drought once established. Needs to be kept frost-free to survive over winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe. Plants may self-seed in place
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, though young plants may be susceptible to damage by rodents
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora and verticillium wilt