1)   Corokia cotoneaster                                                            Wire-netting Bush

The common name of this species of Corokia aptly describes its wiry branches and tangled growth form.  In late spring, small, fragrant yellow flowers are produced singly or in clusters up to four. Several specimens of this and the following selections are currently in bloom throughout the Pacific Connections New Zealand Garden.

Roy Farrow

2)   Phyllocladus alpinus                                                              Mountain toatoa

P. alpinus is a very slow-growing tree that reaches only 10-12 feet in cultivation. True leaves only occur on seedlings; in juvenile and adult plants, the function of the leaves is taken over by flattened branchlets called phylloclades. Male and female cones are carried separately on the same tree; the small male cones are red, making an attractive contrast with the foliage.

Roy Farrow

3)   Podocarpus nivalis                                                                     Alpine totara

P. nivalis is native to the alpine and subalpine regions of New Zealand and can grow in a wide range of conditions. It has a variable form, being either prostrate or erect, with short, brownish-green blunted needle-like leaves.

Roy Farrow

4)  Sophora microphylla                                                                         Kowhai

S. microphylla has a somewhat tangled juvenile form before growing into a tree of about 15-20 feet tall. The foliage is fern-like with tiny light-green leaflets paired along the leaf stem. In spring, the adult trees are covered with bright yellow flowers.

Roy Farrow

5)   Veronica ochracea  ‘E.C. Stirling’                                     Whipcord Hebe

The tiny scale-like leaves of this whipcord species are an attractive rich golden color. Small white flowers are currently on display.

Roy Farrow