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whauwhi

foliage palette
fruit & flower palette

Hoheria lyallii | mountain ribbonwood, whauwhi

 

A small, semi-deciduous tree. Its young leaves are oval and toothed, transitioning to broader and longer leaves in maturity. Summer brings a profusion of impressive white flowers. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil in full sun but can handle dry, semi-wet, and coastal environments, along with frost and cold once established.  Adapted to harsh, mountainous conditions, it's a member of the mallow family. This tree is ideal for large gardens, parks, and restoration projects, offering both ecological benefits and beauty. It works well as a standalone specimen or in woodland-style groupings, and its tolerance for pruning makes it suitable for hedges and screens.  It prefers well-drained, moist soil and sunny to partially shaded locations, and withstands cold and exposed environments.

  • typical habitat.

    montane forest

    subalpine forest

    subalpine scrub

    forest margins

  • drainage.

    moist

    well drained

  • sun.

    full sun

    partial shade

  • mature specifications.

    height | 6m

    width | 3m / 30cm (trunk)

  • pollinators calendar.

    flowering | November - March

    fruiting |  April - July

  • did you know?

    This plant does not tolerate humid conditions and will fail to flower in warmer climates.

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