Common Name: Corokia – Red Wonder – Korokio

Scientific Name: Corokia virgata

Height at Maturity: 2m

Altitude: 0-500m

Time to Maturity: 10-15 years

Growth Rate: Medium

Habitat/Description: The Corokia – Red Wonder is one of New Zealand’s divaricating shrubs, the New Zealand genus only contains three species which are closely related and can hybridise. Grows well in most soils except heavy clays.

Domesticated Uses: It is a tough form of hedging that is resistant to drought, wind and cold. Attractive silvery foliage, with yellow flowering and Bright red berries!

Medicinal Uses: n/a*

Forest Uses: Found on the forest margins, it can tolerate dry stoney areas.

Flowering: October to December, Yellow

Fruiting/Nectar: February to May, Red

Birds Life: Native birds love the autumn berries!

How Far Apart to Plant: Suitable for hedging, plant 30cm to 50cm apart.

Planting Instructions: Dig the whole twice as wide as the pot is deep. Remove tree from the pot and loosen the roots up is they are tangles. Place in the hole band back fill leaving a ring of higher dirt to capture rainfall. Ensure ample watering once planted. Mulching around the trunk can help a lot. You could consider a mulching mat, or use bark, pea straw etc. Plant after the last frost!