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Hibiscus diversifolius
Now extremely rare in the wild, this native hibiscus grew in coastal regions of the North Island but is also found in other areas of the Pacific. Bright green leaves with serrated margins on a shrub that reaches 1.0-2.0m. The stems and midribs of the leaves are covered with 'bristles'. The flower is lemon yellow with a deep maroon blotch in the centre, quite striking although it does not always open fully.
Cultivation Frost tender, plant in a position with plenty of sun in a well-drained dry-ish soil.
Propagation Seed or cuttings
Bracyglottis greyi 'Sunshine'
A spreading shrub with silver-grey leaves we used to know this as 'Senecio'. In summer bright yellow daisies cover the bush and contrast well with the foliage. For a really drammatic planting try it with the deep purple Hebe speciosa 'Inspiration'.
The foliage is felted and silvery when young, changing to grey-green.
Cultivation Tolerates most soils and withstands coastal conditions and some dryness well. Eventually 1.2-1.5m and as wide. It can become leggy and bare in centre, keep trimmed and pinch out leader buds when young to encourage a dense bush.
Propagation Seed and cuttings (cuttings only for selected forms)
Brachyglottis repanda
Commonly known as Rangiora this spreading shrub or small tree has has wonderful, huge green leaves with felted undersides. There is also a magnificent purple cultivar that is dramatic even without flowers. In spring Rangiora has large heads of creamy flowers that cover the bush from spring inot summer.
The foliage is felted and silvery when young, changing to grey-green.
Cultivation A coastal plant needs a warm, reasonably frost-free position, prefers some protection from the winds that can tear those magnificent leaves. Tough enough for coastal gardens it can be frustrating to establish, in humid areas plant in a dry position and ensure that it has plenty of air circulation to counter moulds. Drought tolerant once established
Propagation Seed and cuttings (cuttings only for selected forms)
Pachystegia insignis
Pachystegia insignis, the Marlborough Rock Daisy has both amazing foliage and startling white daisy flowers. The large, rounded leaves have a heavy felting of silvery, white tomentum when young, becoming deep green and glossy with age. The flowers, in summer, are held clear of the leaves and are white with clear yellow centres. The fluffy seeds that follow continue the interest. Use it in the front of the border or on a sunny bank, a wonderful plant.
Cultivation A well drained soil with sun. Does not enjoy damp. wet of shady conditions. Can withstand dry periods once established. Hardy in most areas.
Propagation Seed or cuttings
Pachystegia rufa
A smaller Marlborough Rock Daisy with buff felting underneath and the same white daisy flowers held clear of the leaves as P. insignis. Another wonderful plant.
Cultivation A well drained soil with sun. Does not enjoy damp. wet of shady conditions. Can withstand dry periods once established. Hardy in most areas.
Propagation Seed or cuttings
Clianthus puniceus, Kowhai ngutu-kaka, Kaka beak
Clianthus puniceus, Kakabeak
A treasured shrub here and overseas, the lax, shrubby kakabeak is one of our most exotic flowering shrubs. Now extremely rare in the wild, it grows to about 2m (6ft) and as wide, with attractive fern-like green leaves and, of course, the famous parrot's beak flowers. There is a white form C. puniceus 'Albus' (see above) as well as selected red forms.
Cultivation Most soils, prefers moisture and part-shade. Short lived and vulnerable to leaf-miners, slugs and snails! Frost tender in cooler gardens it prefers a wall, fence or host shrub as support, and the branches can be trained to better display the flowers.
Propagation Seed or cuttings
Clianthus puniceus 'Albus', White Kaka beak
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