Botanical name:

Pimelea longifolia

Common name(s):

Taranga, Long leaved pimelea

About:

An attractive, upright shrub that can be found thriving in scrubland across much of New Zealand. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5m, featuring lance-shaped, leathery leaves that are both interesting and resilient. During the spring and summer months, it produces beautiful round heads of fragrant white to pale pink flowers, adding a delightful touch to its surroundings. Taranga should ideally be provided with some shelter, as it can be rather temperamental and sensitive to environmental conditions.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. Usually in open sites in forest, on forest margins and in scrub; on or near rock outcrops (especially base-rich rock such as limestone and basalt – but also on acidic rocks such as rhyolite).

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Great Barrier, North (Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland, Kaimai Range, East Cape, Te Urewera and Tararua Ranges) and South Islands (Durville Island, Marlborough Sounds, north-west Nelson, Buller and Paparoa Ranges).

Height: 1.5m

Flowering: 

September - April with a reddish pink to white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

November - June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Fickle. Can be grown from cuttings, and occasionally seed germinates in garden conditions. Does best in full sun on a well drained soil. However, even well established plants are prone to sudden collapse.

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