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Chapters
Hoheria Growing Guide
Characteristics
There are five species of hoheria which all originate from New Zealand. Some are deciduous (H. glabrata, H. lyallii) but all the other species and their cultivars and hybrids are evergreen (H. angustifolia, H. populnea, H. sexstylosa).
They grow in the wild in forests or on forest edges and alongside streams.
All have white flowers in clusters which hang down from the branches of these large shrubs or small trees.
What makes hoheria so popular in gardens is that they flower profusely in July and August when very few other woody trees and shrubs are flowering apart from eucryphia which they complement. Butterflies relish hoheria flowers.
In addition they all have a graceful pendulous habit which allows them to display their scented flowers to full effect. In the West Country they are a key feature of many town and village gardens as autumn approaches.
Hardiness
Location
Hoherias do not require especially fertile soil and will grow well in neutral to alkaline soils which are well drained. They like damper coastal locations.
They do however require good wind protection to preserve their evergreen leaves from wind damage. A good mulch around the roots is sensible but not essential.
If your garden is exposed to wind consider growing them against a sunny wall which faces south.
Pruning is unnecessary unless there is damage after a cold winter.
Propagation
Seeds may be sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Semi ripe cuttings can be successfully rooted in the mist bench.
In some coastal area hoheria will self sow themselves profusely on any bare ground surrounding the plant.
Immature seedlings have juvenile leaves which are often much larger than those of the mature tree.
Our best selection of hoherias for a UK garden
Hoheria sextylosa – this is the commonest hoheria in UK gardens. Fast growing, often pendulous in habit, and handsome with innumerable small white flowers in July and August.
Hoheria sextylosa ‘Stardust’ – this is a very floriferous form with an attractive compact and upright habit.
Hoheria ‘Glory of Amlwch’ – bred in Sussex this is a hybrid between H. glabrata and H. sextylosa. It is a hardy free flowering small tree.
Checking deadwood - Video Tip
Hoheria species part 1 - Video Tip
Charles in the Garden at Caerhays at the end of July looking at Hoheria some of the Hoheria species currently in flower.
0:00 - Introduction to the species
1:29 - Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Stardust’
2:29 - H. 'Borde Hill' (H. angustifolia x H. sexstylosa)
3:56 - H. 'Glory of Amlwch' (H. sexstylosa x H. glabrata)
5:55 - H. sexstylosa ‘Crataegifolia’
7:04 - H. angustifolia
Hoheria species part 2a - Video Tip
Plants
