Alectryon excelsus (Titoki Tree)

What are the landscaping uses for Alectryon excelsus in NZ?

Alectryon excelsus (Titoki) is a popular choice in landscaping projects in NZ. It makes a beautiful hedge and a fantastic screen, but also makes for a lovely specimen or a lush backdrop for smaller plants. The Plant Company regularly uses this tree as a pleached hedge around pools and in modern gardens. Further, where clients want trees to attract birds, a Titoki is a must. It is the gorgeous foliage and versatility of this plant that make it a popular choice in landscaping. Few other trees can grow on marginal soils and climates and still look amazing.

Alectryon excelsus hedge spacing

The Alectryon excelsus hedge spacing is generally 75 cm between the plants. If you want the hedge to fill in more quickly, you can reduce the spacing to 50 cm. However, going wider than 75 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in, and this can cause frustration. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing, the plants compete for light, and in doing so, they push each other upwards. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends a 75 cm spacing to achieve a fantastic hedge.

How to grow a Alectryon excelsus pleached hedge

A pleached hedge begins with purchasing trees that have a clear trunk to about 1 metre and a bushy top. These are called standards and can be purchased with clear stems, ranging in length from 80 cm to 1.5 m. The trees are then planted 1.5-2 metres apart, and the upper portion is trimmed in the same manner as a typical hedge. Staking is essential so the trees remain supported as they establish. If you require specific Titoki trees for your project, please don't hesitate to email shop@theplantcompany.co.nz, and our team will be happy to assist you.

What is the Alectryon excelsus (Titoki) growth rate?

The growth rate of Alectryon excelsus depends on its position and the level of care it receives. In a warm climate with favourable growing conditions, it will grow to approximately 8 m tall and 3 m wide in 15-20 years. Where anything impedes the growth, such as drought, wind exposure, or cold climates, it will grow at a slower rate. While this tree can grow to 8 m tall, it is often clipped to smaller sizes and often into a hedge. Overall, the growth rate is considered medium relative to other NZ native hedging plants.

How to grow Alectryon excelsus (Titoki) successfully in NZ

Alectryon excelsus grows best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of good drainage, as plants can become diseased and die if drainage is poor or they are constantly waterlogged. It will tolerate coastal environments, wind, and frost. Staking is also highly recommended after planting to provide additional stability.

What are the identifying features of Alectryon excelsus?

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as Titoki, has several distinctive features that make it easily identifiable. It is a small tree reaching 8-9 metres in height, with a spreading and often irregular canopy. It is multi-branched with a fluted trunk and smooth, dark brown bark. The leaves comprise leaflets arranged along a central axis with 3-7 pairs of leaflets per leaf. They are oval to lanceolate, with smooth margins, a slightly pointed tip, and are glossy dark green on the upper surface, with a paler green underside. The flowers are red and are borne in sprays during late spring and summer. The fruit is a fleshy capsule, initially hairy and brown, splitting open to reveal a bright red aril (fleshy covering) surrounding a black seed. Birds, particularly kereru, feed on the succulent red fruit.

Titoki trees for sale from The Plant Company

The Plant Company sells premium Titoki (Alectryon excelsus) trees across NZ. These hardy natives are ideal for creating shade, attracting birds, and adding structure to your landscape. Grown in optimal nursery conditions, each tree is selected for health and vigour. With expert planting advice, fast nationwide delivery, and free shipping on larger orders, The Plant Company makes it easy to establish beautiful, reliable Titoki trees in your garden.