shrub

Rangiora

The Story

Plant Bio

Brachyglottis repanda, commonly known as rangiora, is a large evergreen shrub or small bushy tree native to New Zealand, reaching heights of fifteen to over twenty feet. The broad, leathery leaves are dark green above and covered with a distinctive, dense layer of vivid white to buff felted hairs underneath.

The tiny, cream to pale yellow flowers lack ray florets and are borne in massive, highly branched terminal panicles from late winter into spring. New stems and emerging foliage are covered in a soft, tawny or white tomentum that contrasts sharply with the mature dark green leaf surfaces.

Uses & Benefits:

Features large, tropical-looking leaves with striking white-felted undersides and massive spring flower panicles.

Functions as an effective, salt-tolerant windbreak or screen in coastal gardens.

Provides nectar resources for bees and generalist insect pollinators during the spring bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

276"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil, preferably a sandy or clay loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container to prevent stem rot.
Water deeply to establish the root system, then transition to moderate watering, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between applications.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly only after flowering to maintain shape; cutting back hard into old, leafless wood will cause the stems to die back completely as the plant lacks dormant buds on bare wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Protect the plant from hard freezes and strong, tearing winds.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the canopy.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood without leaves.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, waterlogged soils.
Do not apply heavy, high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreakSpecimen plantingMixed shrub borderScreening

Companion Plants

Myrica cerifera Viburnum dentatum Phormium tenax

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rangiora questions

What zones can Rangiora grow in?

Rangiora 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 Rangiora deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Rangiora, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Rangiora bloom?

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

Does Rangiora need full sun?

Rangiora does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Rangiora drought tolerant?

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