Corokia
A tough, wiry-branched shrub (also called wire-netting bush) that hedges well and copes with wind, coastal exposure and poor soil. Small yellow star-shaped flowers in late spring attract bees, followed by red or orange berries that silvereye enjoy. Fast-growing and low-maintenance, from 30cm dwarf forms up to 2-3m depending on variety.
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Spacing
- 40cm
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Grows in
- Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Hamilton / Waikato, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Napier / Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago, Invercargill / Southland
- Mature height
- 2m
- Flowering season
- Oct, Nov, Dec
- Attracts wildlife
- Bees, Silvereye/tauhou
- Evergreen
- Yes
When to plant by region
In Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Napier / Hawke's Bay: March-April and September-November. In Hamilton / Waikato, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago and Invercargill / Southland: September-November.
Growing stages
Planting & establishmentFirst few months
- Water while establishing, though this wiry shrub copes well with wind, coastal exposure and poor soil once settled
- Full sun brings out the best flowering and berry production
Early growthFirst 1-2 years
- Fast-growing, so shape early if growing as a hedge
- Varieties range from 30cm dwarf forms to 2-3m, so check you have the right one for your spot
FloweringOctober-December (November-December further south)
- Small yellow star-shaped flowers appear in late spring, attracting bees
- Flowers are followed by red or orange berries
Maturity
- Red or orange berries are enjoyed by silvereye
- Low-maintenance once established, tolerating poor soil and coastal wind