Botanical name:

Pomaderris rugosa

Common name(s):

Pomaderris

About:

Pomaderris rugosa is an erect, many-branched perennial shrub that exhibits a characteristic growth habit, with both its stems and the undersurface of its leaves covered in fine hairs. The margins of the leaves, when exposed to full sunlight, tend to roll under, creating a distinctive appearance. This plant is primarily found in, open areas throughout the Central North Island of New Zealand, typically located near the sea where it thrives in its natural habitat.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland. Commonly found in open scrub overlying clay and other impoverished soils and rocks (especially Rhyolite). Also in low scrub within estuaries. The Herekino records are from forestry tracks and are disputed as natural by some botanists. Similarly there is some suggestion that the Silverdale records were the result of deliberate plantings.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island (Herekino, Waiti River between Silverdale and Orewa), Rotoroa and Ponui Islands. Coromandel Peninsula; Mayor (Tuhua) Island, west coast of Firth of Thames; Aotea and Kawhia Harbours also.

Height: 12m

Flowering: 

October - December (but sporadic throughout the year) with a white or creamy yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November - May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food.

How to grow:

Easily grown though seed can be hard to germinate. An excellent hardy shrub of a coastal property. Surprisingly frost resistant. Does best in poor, freely draining soils in full sun. Do not EVER give plant fertilise - this will kill it.

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