Common name: Kohuhu 'Bannow Bay'

Description: This compact cultivar of the popular New Zealand native offers dense, glossy evergreen foliage on near-black stems that create an elegant, refined appearance. The small, oval leaves are bright green with slightly wavy margins, creating excellent texture and form year-round. In late spring, small tubular flowers in deep burgundy-purple appear amongst the foliage, releasing a sweet honey-like fragrance in the evening that can perfume the surrounding area. The naturally neat, columnar habit requires minimal pruning and provides excellent year-round structure. This is an outstanding choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant in containers, and is particularly valued in contemporary gardens for its architectural qualities and dark stems that contrast beautifully with the bright foliage.

Other benefits: compact columnar habit, fragrant flowers, excellent for hedging, low maintenance, architectural form, suitable for containers

Wildlife attraction: bees, night-flying moths, pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2m x 0.8m

Position: full sun to partial shade; benefits from shelter from cold winds

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; performs well in neutral conditions

Moisture: moderate watering required; prefers well-drained soil; protect from waterlogging

Winter hardiness: hardy to -10°C in sheltered positions; benefits from protection in colder areas