Botanical name:

Hebe salicifolia

Common name(s):

Koromiko

About:

The Koromiko is a bushy shrub bearing pairs of narrow, elongated, pointed leaves that typically inhabit the South and Stewart Islands. The leaves are quite variable in size, measuring up to 132mm long, and they gradually taper to a narrow tip. The margins of the leaves are often uneven and may be lined with fine hairs, which may require the use of a lens to observe clearly. Additionally, the leaf buds exhibit only a very small and subtle gap between the leaves at the base. The plant produces flowers that grow in spikes, reaching lengths of up to 23cm, adding to its overall distinctive appearance.

Natural habitat:

Occurs from sea-level to close to the tree-line, mostly in open sites, and in forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout South Island (except for Marlborough Sounds) and Stewart Island, and on Auckland Island and in Chile.

Height: 5m

Flowering: (October-) December-June (-July) with a coloured Violet/Purple or White

flower/s

Fruiting: (November-) January- June (-July)

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

They are easily grown from fresh seed (seedlings often spontaneously appear in gardens from wind-dispersed seed) also from soft wood cuttings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment just keep them moist during germination.