Lagunaria

New Zealand’s Best Lagunaria

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Pyramid Trees and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Lagunaria, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Lagunaria

1. What is the common name for Lagunaria?

The most common name for Lagunaria is Norfolk Island hibiscus. It is also known by a number of other common names, including:

• Cow itch tree
• Pyramid tree
• Sally wood
• White oak
• Primrose tree
• Itchy powder tree
• Queensland white oak
• Whitewood
• Whitegum

Lagunaria is native to Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island, two small islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world, due to its attractive flowers and foliage. Lagunaria is a fast-growing tree, and can reach heights of up to 15 metres. It has glossy green leaves and produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple.

2. What are itchy bomb trees?

Itchy bomb trees, also known as Lagunaria patersonia, are small trees or shrubs that are native to Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island in the Pacific Ocean. However, they are also widely cultivated in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Itchy bomb trees are known for their large, showy flowers that can be pink, white, or purple. They also produce small, round fruits that contain seeds that are covered in sharp hairs. When these hairs come into contact with human skin, they can cause a severe allergic reaction that can result in intense itching and a rash. This is why the tree is known as the itchy bomb tree.

The itching is caused by a chemical compound called lagunarin. Lagunarin is a type of irritant that can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. The severity of the reaction can vary depending on the person's sensitivity to lagunarin. For some people, even a small amount of contact with lagunarin can cause a severe reaction.

If you come into contact with itchy bomb tree seeds, it is important to wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. You can also apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce inflammation and itching. If the reaction is severe, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.

3. How do you care for Lagunaria patersonii?

Lagunaria patersonii, also known as the Norfolk Island hibiscus, is a relatively easy-care tree. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil and climate conditions, and is a good choice for planting in coastal areas and urban areas.

Here are some tips for caring for Lagunaria patersonii:

• Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It is important to plant it in well-drained soil, as it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Water regularly. Trees need regular watering while they are establishing but less so as they age.
• Feed in spring. The trees will benefit from using a balanced fertilizer in spring.
• Mulch around the tree. This helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
• Prune regularly. Lagunaria patersonii can be trimmed at any time of year, but it is best to prune it in the late winter or early spring. Remove dead or diseased branches, thin out crowded branches, and shape the tree as desired.