Botanical name:

Corokia cotoneaster

Common name(s):

Korokio, wire-nettting bush

About:

Korokio is a common variable shrub notable for its tight divaricating form, which features wiry branches and a tangled growth pattern. This resilient plant boasts small, vibrant leaves and black stems, and it displays star-like yellow flowers that eventually give way to striking red, yellow, or orange drupes as autumn approaches. Additionally, Korokio can be expertly shaped to create an attractive box hedge, enhancing the aesthetics of gardens and landscapes. It is also remarkably tolerant of harsh weather conditions as well as poor soil, making it a favored choice for challenging planting environments.

Natural habitat:

Lowland shrub-land, river-flats and rocky places throughout.

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Salt, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South and Three Kings Islands of New Zealand.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering:

(September-) October-December (-April) with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

February-May (-September) with a red/orange coloured fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Hedging.

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