Myrsine australis (Mapou)

Myrsine australis (Mapou) Details

Commonly known as Red Matipo, this is a NZ native shrub grown for its handsome foliage. It features red stems which host yellow-green, wavy leaves. Tiny, white flowers appear in summer and are followed by black fruits in autumn which are great for attracting birds. It grows with an erect and spreading habit and may reach 5 m tall and 3 m wide though can be trimmed as necessary. This is an easy to grow shrub that will tolerate a range of soil conditions but certainly does best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site with good soil moisture. Plants can be frost tender, particularly when young, but once established they are tolerant of light-moderate frost, dry periods, and coastal conditions. Red Matipo is commonly clipped into a hedge, grown beneath larger trees, added to mixed plantings, or grown as a small specimen.