Family Malvaceae.
Originating from New Zealand.
- Slender, graceful branches carry evergreen foliage year-round.
- Masses of small, starry white flowers cover the tree in mid to late summer.
- Compact and upright when young, becoming broader with age.
The Evergreen White Flowering Tree in Your Garden
Its abundant, frothy summer display of scented apple blossom-like flowers is show-stoppingly profuse. Standing out perfectly against the small glossy green foliage, the blooms make an eye-catching impact from afar. On closer inspection, their thread-like, pink-tinted stamens are fascinatingly intricate.
Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Stardust’ is hardy in all but the coldest, exposed UK gardens. It grows to around 4m tall and 2.5m wide over 10–20, benefiting from a sheltered sun-trapped position. Its upright shape is ideal for Norfolk’s smaller town gardens and courtyards. In Suffolk’s traditional English country gardens, it adds a floral impact to the backs of borders, growing amongst other evergreens.
Its upright branches form a slender shape for many years, broadening with age. It can be clipped to form any shape after flowering and even used in loose hedges. Its bounteous flowering is comparable to the native UK May blossom, but in July and August, with evergreen foliage. It provides a late-season scented treat for both gardeners and pollinators.
Growing Tips for Your Ribbonwood Tree, Hoheria sexstylosa ‘Stardust’
- Soil and Sun: plant in any light, non-acidic soil, except those that are heavy and wet in winter, in full sun or part shade.
- Planting: at any time of year. Never plant a dry plant! Plunge the pot or stand in water until thoroughly drenched before planting. Do not add soil improvers.
- Watering: Moderate; tolerates dry spells once established. Water regularly in its first summer while rooting out.
- Pruning and care: Trim immediately after flowering to maintain a compact form if desired. Young plants may benefit from compost mulch over winter.
The bark on older stems peels to reveal a pale, creamy underbark, giving it the common name “lacebark”. The fibrous material gained from it was used in Maori culture for ropemaking and to treat inflammation. This evergreen white-flowering tree with an upright form, neat glossy foliage, and profuse blooming makes it a standout choice.
