The Story
Plant Bio
Hoheria sexstylosa, the long-leaved lacebark, is an upright evergreen tree native to New Zealand that reaches twenty-five feet in standard garden cultivation. It features a graceful weeping habit with slender, ascending branches and dark green, lanceolate leaves with sharply serrated margins.
This species exhibits heteroblastic development, transitioning from a dense, twiggy, small-leaved juvenile shrub into its open, weeping adult form. In summer and fall, it produces clusters of star-shaped white flowers with prominent white stamens and six styles.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
315"
Width
180"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Unknown
Lifespan
Moderate
Native To
New Zealand
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Fall
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
- Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture during the establishment period.
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Pro Tip
Avoid heavy pruning or shearing into old, leafless wood, which destroys the weeping architecture and triggers a flush of dense, twiggy juvenile reversion growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells to maintain even soil moisture.
- Protect young plants from severe winter frosts using burlap or frost cloth.
- Prune conservatively, only to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Don't
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as it may fail to regenerate.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or remain dry for extended periods.
- Do not shear the plant into formal shapes, which ruins its natural weeping form.
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
Long-Leaved Lacebark questions
What zones can Long-Leaved Lacebark grow in?
Long-Leaved Lacebark 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.
Is Long-Leaved Lacebark deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Long-Leaved Lacebark, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Long-Leaved Lacebark bloom?
Long-Leaved Lacebark typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Long-Leaved Lacebark need full sun?
Long-Leaved Lacebark does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Hoheria to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Long-Leaved 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.