Aristotelia Aunt Nell
Aristotelia ‘Aunt Nell’ (Wineberry)
Overview
Aristotelia ‘Aunt Nell’, a compact form of the New Zealand Wineberry, is a robust native shrub valued for its fresh light green leaves and year-round appeal. Semi-evergreen to fully evergreen depending on climate, it delivers colour, texture, and structure throughout the seasons. Soft pink and cream flowers are followed by wine-to-black berries that add ornamental interest and attract birds.
Key Features
Foliage:
Bright, fresh light green leaves held densely on upright stems. Semi-evergreen in cooler areas; evergreen in mild regions.
Flowers / Fruit:
Pretty pink and cream flowers in spring, followed by glossy berries that ripen from deep wine-red to almost black—true to its Wineberry heritage.
Form & Habit:
Compact, upright, bushy shrub with a naturally tidy form.
Growth Rate:
Moderate to fast.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Highly attractive to birds thanks to its berries. Ideal for native restoration, biodiversity plantings, and wildlife-friendly gardens.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 m |
| Spread | 1.6 m |
| Form | Upright, compact shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates brief dry periods |
| Soil | Well-drained soil; handles a range of types including light clay |
| pH Range | Slightly acidic to neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; may shed some leaves in severe cold but recovers strongly |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Beautiful compact Wineberry for mixed native gardens
-
Excellent for wildlife and bird-friendly plantings
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Great for structure in small gardens
-
Works well in native hedgerows or as a medium screening shrub
-
Adds seasonal interest with colourful berries
Care & Maintenance
Pruning:
Light pruning after fruiting or in late winter to maintain shape.
Watering:
Moderate; ensure good moisture during establishment.
Feeding:
A light feed with native fertiliser in spring is optional but can promote growth.
Pests & Diseases:
Generally hardy and problem-free.
Additional Tips
Shelter from harsh coastal winds for best performance. Mulching helps retain moisture and promote healthy growth.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Wineberry (Aristotelia species) is known for its bird-attracting fruit and soft, airy foliage—‘Aunt Nell’ offers all the charm of the species in a more compact, garden-friendly form.
Why Choose Aristotelia ‘Aunt Nell’ (Wineberry)?
Choose this compact Wineberry for its fresh foliage, soft flowers, bird-attracting berries, and reliable toughness—an easy-care native that shines in any NZ garden.
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.
