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aka Pohutukawa

Native. Who doesn't love the Pohutukawa AKA The NZ Christmas Tree. Attractive leathery blue-grey foliage and unique yet beautiful crimson tufted blooms that appear in summer. Tolerant of harsh conditions and poor soil but doesn't like frost. Evergreen.

This iconic NZ tree is seen at its best along the Thames-Coromandel Coast. It is worth taking a road trip in December-January just to see these coastal beauties in full flower. Pretty good specimens on the road into Whakatane as well.

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aka Kowhai

If you want a well behaved & rewarding evergreen shrub then it would be hard to go past this delightful little Kowhai. Compact & tidy & completely covered in rich yellow bells in late winter. The birds love the nectar, especially wax eyes. Looks stunning in a container. Easy to grow.