The Story
Plant Bio
Myrsine australis, commonly known as red mapou, is an evergreen large shrub or small tree endemic to New Zealand that reaches ten to twenty feet in height. It features a compact, upright crown of short, stiffly spreading branches and distinctive dark brown to black furrowed bark on mature wood.
The leathery, pale yellow-green to dark green leaves have strongly wavy margins and are dotted with translucent resin glands and red or purple spots. New growth and juvenile branchlets display a striking contrast with their bright red to wine-red bark and petioles.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
236"
Width
118"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
New Zealand
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late winter – Summer
In flower about 7 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-draining sandy loam or clay loam soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
- Water thoroughly at planting and maintain regular moisture during the first year to establish the root system.
- Apply a balanced, low-dose slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support steady growth without forcing soft wood.
Pro Tip
Tip-prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense habit, but avoid cutting back into old, leafless woody stems as the plant lacks the capacity to regenerate from bare wood.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Do water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
- Do plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Do tip-prune young branches to encourage a bushier hedge or screen.
Don't
- Don't prune hard into old, leafless wood as it will fail to sprout.
- Don't over-fertilize, which forces weak, overly soft growth.
- Don't plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or waterlogged soils.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Red Mapou questions
What zones can Red Mapou grow in?
Red Mapou 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 Red Mapou deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Red Mapou, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Red Mapou bloom?
Red Mapou typically blooms in late winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Red Mapou need full sun?
Red Mapou does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Red Mapou drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red Mapou handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red Mapou 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.