Ngaio

Myoporum laetum

New Zealand native evergreen coastal tree with thick glossy bright green leaves and small white-and-purple star flowers throughout the warm months. The classic NZ coastal hedge and shelter species.

Hardiness ratings

Ngaio hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–10 −6.7 °C to 4.4 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H3 −5 °C to 1 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–6 −5 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Native to coastal New Zealand — major coastal shelter species
  • WARNING: Leaves contain ngaione, toxic to grazing livestock (especially horses) — do not plant in stock paddocks
  • Salt tolerant, wind tolerant — premier coastal hedge species in mild maritime climates
  • WARNING: Listed INVASIVE in coastal California — escapes coastal gardens to displace native dune vegetation, do not plant in California

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Ngaio against your zones

Reference

Ngaio on Wikipedia