shrub

Koromiko

The Story

Plant Bio

Veronica stricta, commonly known as koromiko, is an evergreen shrub native to New Zealand that features an open, erect habit with long, dull green to yellow-green lanceolate leaves. In summer, the branches bear dense, drooping lateral spikes of white, pale lilac, or mauve flowers that extend beyond the foliage.

This species is distinguished by its finely pubescent young stems and its high tolerance for coastal salt spray and maritime winds. Unlike many related shrubs, it adapts well to moist soil margins while still requiring excellent internal drainage.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, drooping spikes of white to pale lilac flowers against clean, lanceolate evergreen foliage.

Offers excellent windbreak and soil stabilization properties in exposed coastal or maritime environments.

Provides abundant nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157"

Width

79"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at its original container depth.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after summer flowering, taking care never to cut back into old, leafless woody stems which lack latent buds and will fail to resprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Trim the branch tips lightly after flowering to maintain a bushy shape.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot pathogens.
Provide adequate water during prolonged dry summer periods.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood as the plant cannot regenerate from these stems.
Do not plant in heavy shade where growth becomes leggy and sparse.
Do not over-fertilize, as heavy feeding is unnecessary for steady growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal gardensMixed shrub bordersWindbreaksWetland margins

Companion Plants

Phormium tenax Carex testacea Coprosma repens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Koromiko questions

What zones can Koromiko grow in?

Koromiko is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Koromiko bloom?

Koromiko typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Koromiko need full sun?

Koromiko does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Koromiko drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Koromiko handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.