Melicytus alpinus
porcupine shrub
A dwarf evergreen shrub to 60cm tall, forming a dense mound of sparsely-leaved, spine-tipped stems. In spring it bears tiny, cream-coloured flowers that hang beneath the branches; these are followed by white berries. Suitable for a rock garden
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | White | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Violaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Melicytus are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs with sweetly fragrant leaves. The small male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants and the females can go on to produce showy berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand (S.Island)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very sharply-draining, sandy soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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