Botanical name:

Aristotelia fruticosa

Common name(s):

Mountain wineberry

About:

A shrub found in scrub and forest up to 1400m, ranging from Thames in New Zealand’s North Island southward. It grows into a well-branched shrub reaching about 2m in height, with reddish-brown branches and small, variable oblong leaves, often featuring serrated edges. In spring, it produces attractive reddish-pink flowers, adding seasonal interest to its natural habitat.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to subalpine forest understory and shrub-land, more common at higher altitudes

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun & Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands, but often localised in occurrence.

Height: 2m

Flowering:

October - December with a reddish pink or white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November - April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or semi hardwood cuttings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though