Botanical name:

Hebe stricta

Common name(s):

Koromiko

About:

This Koromiko is a specialist coloniser of newly disturbed sites, thriving exceptionally well in open, sunny locations and generally exhibiting a strong intolerance to shaded areas. The flowers are arranged in inflorescences, with each inflorescence capable of producing numerous capsules and seeds that are carried away by the wind to establish themselves in new locations. These small plants have a remarkable growth rate, allowing them to start producing their own flowers within just a year of germinating.

Natural habitat:

Common in successional habitats from coastal areas to lower montane habitats.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wetland, Salt, Coastal & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and northern South Islands of New Zealand. Somewhat localised in the far North, otherwise common and widespread in the North Island. Only locally common in the northern South Island.

Height: 4m

Flowering: 

(July-) August (-October) with a violet/purple or white coloured flower. Flowering can also occur sporadically throughout the year.

Fruiting:

(September-) November (-January) but seed capsules may be found throughout the year.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings  & Shelter belts

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed & semi hardwood cuttings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.