Adams’s Koromiko

Botanical name: Veronica adamsii

Common name(s): Adams’s Koromiko

Plant facts:

A rare, low-growing native shrub endemic to the far north of New Zealand. It is recognised by its narrow, pointed leaves and slender spikes of pale white to lavender flowers. Naturally adapted to exposed rocky habitats and coastal cliff environments.

Natural habitat:

Confined to exposed cliffs, rocky bluffs, and coastal rock outcrops within lowland forest. Often grows amongst Astelia banksii vegetation.

Growing environment:

Sun, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to the far northern North Island, particularly the Te Paki region (Unuwhao Bush).

Height:

Up to 1 m tall

Flowering:

Mainly March – September, often with peak flowering in autumn and spring.
Produces slender spikes of pale white to soft lavender flowers.

Fruiting:

Fruit may be present throughout the year.

Uses:

• Coastal and rock garden planting
• Specialist native shrub collections
• Habitat restoration for exposed northern sites

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A low, spreading shrub with grey-brown older stems and yellow-brown branchlets.

Leaves:
Leaves are narrow, leathery, and glossy bronze-green above, slightly paler beneath. They are arranged in opposite pairs and taper to pointed tips.

Flowers:
Flowers are carried in elongated spikes up to 15 cm long. Blooms are pale pinkish-mauve to white and lightly scented.

Fruit:
Produces small dry brown seed capsules containing flattened wind-dispersed seeds.

How to grow:

Very easy to propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings. Fresh seed also germinates readily when available. Best suited to sunny, free-draining positions with good airflow and coastal tolerance.