Photographed 7/30/2009, McComb Gardens, Sequim, Washington, copyright © 2009, Ian Barclay.

Family: Argophyllaceae Native to: New Zealand Dimensions: to 5' tall and wide, perhaps larger with age Cold resistance: hardy to 10°F Drought resistance: moderate, but doesn't mind irrigation either Key Features: texture plant with wiry stems and tiny grey leaves, evergreen Uses: great container plant, rock walls, hell strips; does well in urban settings, coastal plantings, deer resistant, undemanding and easy to grow Description: This fabulous little evergreen shrub is best known for its intricately zig-zagging black stems and tiny leaves that are dark grey on the upper surface and pale grey beneath. Its fine foliage and intricate habit make it very useful to contrast with larger leafed evergreens. This growth habit is a natural adaptation to resist herbivores (moas in nature, but also deer in cultivation!) which generally pass it by in favor of more palatable leafy plants. Although frequently seen as a low shrub 2 - 4' tall and wide it has been known to occasionally reach 10' in the Northwest. Mature plants also produce inconspicuous yellow flowers which are followed by little berries. It is easily grown in sun or partial shade, quite drought tolerant, and hardy to about 10°F.

Photographed 6/3/2011, The Gardens at Four Corners, Port Townsend, Washington, copyright © 2011, Ian Barclay.

This page is provided by The Desert Northwest for informational purposes, and does not guarantee availability. Please refer to our current list.

Back to local retail list
Back to mail-order list
HOME

All text, images and art copyright © 2000 - 2025, Ian Barclay.