This plant is also known as "New Zealand hydrangea" in reference to the large, serrated leaves, which are a bit like those of the commonly grown mophead hydrangea.
The flowers of koru, though, are nothing alike. They may not be immediately eye-catching as they are partially hidden beneath the upper leaves, but they are beautiful and unusual purple in colour, and at 3-5cm long are rather large for a New Zealand native plant. They are long and tubular hanging in clusters directly off the stems.
Koru tends to blend in with its surroundings wherever planted in the native plant collection. The soft, spreading branches quickly form patches up to a metre tall and the lush mid-green leaves harmonise with the ferns and other ground dwellers.
Koru can flower any time between August and January developing into fleshy berries which are in full ripeness at the Dunedin Botanic Garden now. Deep violet in colour, these fruits are the size of marbles and shaped like little bell peppers containing thousands of tiny, ginger-coloured seeds.
Being from the warmer coastal and lowland areas of the far north, this plant needs to be grown in frost-free areas of the garden. It is a lovely filler for a damp, partly shaded spot. It can be easily propagated by seed and cuttings and is reported to make a good pot plant.
Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden
For further information contact Kate Caldwell
