Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Stardust’

We have a great deal to thank New Zealand for, especially botanically. Another fine evergreen shrub or small tree hailing from those far antipodean reaches, Hoheria Sexstylosa ‘Stardust’ is a true must-have which has been tried and tested by us, and grown successfully in the UK for many years

Forming said large shrub or small tree, it does nevertheless have a compact form overall. Small jagged-edged dark green leaves densely clothe its upright stems, and they are evergreen. The honey-scented white flowers appear in in July and August, and you’re provided with absolute masses and masses of them. Appropriately named, on ‘Stardust’ these look especially superb and luminous against the dark and glossy foliage, with galaxies of them scattered against the vaulted green sky of their canopy.

‘Stardust’ has a roughly columnar shape and it could reach 3 metres over 10 years or so. Prune if you like, but do wait until flowering is over before you do this. As well as being wildlife-friendly, this one is good for bringing some height and evergreen architecture to sunny borders and for true sun-trap locations like courtyards, or grown against a wall.

Best in sun or dappled shade out of the stiffer kind of cold winds. Not fussy about soil be it sand, chalk or loam, as long as it’s moist and well-drained.

 N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.