The Story
Plant Bio
Pterophylla racemosa, commonly known as kamahi, is a medium to large evergreen tree native to New Zealand, forming a dense canopy on single or multi-stemmed trunks. Juvenile plants exhibit distinct heteroblasty, producing small, lobed or trifoliolate leaves before transitioning to the simple, leathery adult foliage.
The adult leaves are glossy, dark green, and coarsely serrate, providing a rich backdrop for the summer display. During the blooming season, the tree is covered in upright, bottle-brush-like terminal racemes of small white to pale pink flowers.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
984"
Width
590"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
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 with full sun to partial shade and deep, well-drained, moisture-retentive 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, especially during dry summer spells.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Pro Tip
Never prune hard into old, leafless wood as it fails to regenerate; instead, limit pruning to light tip-pinching on young stems to encourage a bushier habit.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep the soil consistently moist, as the tree does not tolerate prolonged drought.
- Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Protect young plants from hard winter frosts below -8°C.
Don't
- Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, which will fail to sprout new growth.
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils or waterlogged areas.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during hot summer months.
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
Kamahi questions
What zones can Kamahi grow in?
Kamahi 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 Kamahi bloom?
Kamahi 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 Kamahi need full sun?
Kamahi does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Kamahi 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.