Plagianthus regius
Mānatu / Ribbonwood / Lowland Ribbonwood
Description:
A distinctive New Zealand native deciduous tree with an unusual juvenile form. Young plants develop a dense network of slender, interwoven branches with small, rounded leaves. As the tree matures, it develops a tall trunk, broader spreading branches and larger, toothed green leaves. Small yellowish green to pale flowers are produced in long sprays during spring, followed by small dry fruits. Mānatu is endemic to New Zealand and naturally grows in lowland forest, river terraces and other fertile areas. It is one of Aotearoa’s largest native deciduous trees and can provide an attractive, open canopy in larger landscapes.
Height:
10–17 m
Width:
5–8 m
Position:
Full sun to partial shade. Mānatu naturally grows in lowland and coastal forest environments and is well suited to open sunny positions. It is hardy and can tolerate wind and frost once established.
Soil:
Fertile, moist and free-draining soil. It performs particularly well in fertile soils with reasonable moisture but is adaptable once established. Avoid persistently waterlogged or poorly drained sites.
Uses:
- Feature and specimen tree
- Native gardens
- Large gardens and lifestyle properties
- Parks and open landscapes
- Shelter planting
- Windbreaks
- Riparian and river-margin planting
- Revegetation projects
- Woodland and naturalistic planting
- Providing habitat and food for insects
Care Tips:
- Water regularly while establishing, particularly through dry periods.
- Mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
- Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring if additional nutrients are required.
- Allow plenty of room for the tree to develop its mature height and spreading form.
- Light formative pruning can be carried out when young to encourage a strong structure.
- Avoid heavy pruning once established unless necessary.
- Expect the plant to lose its leaves during winter; in warmer northern areas it may retain some foliage.
- Protect young plants from competing grass and weeds while they establish.
- Ensure adequate drainage while maintaining reasonable soil moisture.
- Remember that the juvenile form can look quite different from the mature tree, with its dense, tangled branching and smaller leaves.
We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the grade and quality of the plant in the images.
Plants are subject to availability; there is a slight possibility the plants can be sold before your order is processed. In this instance we can offer a refund or credit and let you know when more plants become available.
