The Story
Plant Bio
Hoheria populnea, the lacebark, is an upright evergreen tree from New Zealand reaching twenty to thirty feet in cultivation, featuring slender, pliant branches and serrated, glossy dark green leaves. In late summer and fall, it produces a profusion of pure white, five-petaled flowers with prominent central stamens clustered along the branches.
This species is distinguished by its deeply grooved, fibrous bark that peels in lace-like layers and its leaves which often feature pale purple or maroon undersides. It serves as a fast-growing specimen or privacy screen in mild coastal gardens, tolerating salt-laden winds with ease.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
300"
Width
150"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Moderate
Native To
New Zealand
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late summer – Fall
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with sharp, reliable drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil without adding heavy amendments.
- Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch over the root zone each summer to keep the soil cool and damp.
Pro Tip
Avoid over-fertilizing young trees to force rapid growth; high nitrogen levels produce soft, sappy stems that easily succumb to winter frost.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Mulch the root zone annually to maintain cool, moist soil conditions.
- Prune lightly in spring to shape the canopy or remove dead wood.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Don't
- Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause weak, frost-vulnerable growth.
- Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as it fails to regenerate.
- Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lacebark questions
What zones can Lacebark grow in?
Lacebark is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Lacebark deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Lacebark, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Lacebark bloom?
Lacebark typically blooms in late summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lacebark need full sun?
Lacebark does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Lacebark drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lacebark handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Hoheria to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Lacebark with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.