Muelenbeckia Astonii - $9.99
Muehlenbeckia astonii
Overview
Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as Shrubby Tororaro, is a rare and highly distinctive New Zealand native shrub prized for its stunning tangle of wiry, coral-orange branches and tiny heart-shaped leaves. Its unique form provides exceptional texture and year-round architectural interest, making it a favourite in modern, coastal and drought-tolerant landscapes.
Key Features
Foliage:
Tiny, heart-shaped leaves that sit sparsely on a framework of intricate, interlaced, reddish-bronze branchlets. Deciduous to semi-deciduous, often dropping its leaves in winter to reveal a beautiful coral-coloured lattice of stems.
Flowers / Fruit:
Small greenish-white flowers in summer, followed by decorative white to pinkish berries—particularly attractive to birds.
Form & Habit:
A naturally rounded, bushy shrub with a distinctive interwoven, wire-like branching structure. Develops an elegant, sculptural dome shape with age.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Threatened in the wild; highly valued for restoration and conservation plantings. Provides habitat and food for birds and insects. Very tolerant of wind, drought and coastal exposure.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5–2 m |
| Spread | 1.5–2 m |
| Form | Rounded, wiry, interlaced shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun for best form and colour |
| Water | Low; excellent drought tolerance once established |
| Soil | Prefers free-draining soils; tolerates poor, dry and coastal soils |
| pH Range | Neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Striking feature shrub for modern and architectural gardens
-
Superb for coastal, windy and dry sites
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Ideal for native, conservation or ecological plantings
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Excellent as a sculptural specimen or mass-planted for textural contrast
-
Works well in gravel gardens and dry borders
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Light trim as needed to maintain a tidy dome; naturally forms a beautiful shape without heavy pruning.
Watering: Minimal once established; thrives in dry conditions.
Feeding: Not typically required; a light application of fertiliser in spring can support growth.
Pests & Diseases: Generally very hardy and resistant.
Additional Tips
Its coral-orange winter stems add beauty when leafless, making it a standout shrub for year-round structure. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root issues.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Muehlenbeckia astonii is one of New Zealand’s most unique shrubs, known for its “divaricating” growth pattern—an evolutionary adaptation to browsing and harsh environments.
Why Choose Muehlenbeckia astonii?
A rare and beautiful native shrub offering extraordinary texture, architectural form and unbeatable hardiness—perfect for modern, coastal and low-maintenance NZ gardens.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
