tree

Ngaio

The Story

Plant Bio

Myoporum laetum, the ngaio, is a fast-growing evergreen tree or large shrub native to New Zealand, characterized by its stout, spreading branches and a thick, furrowed trunk in maturity. The lanceolate leaves are fleshy and glossy, featuring distinctive translucent oil glands that appear as bright dots when held against the light.

Its sticky, dark bronze leaf buds and young branchlets provide striking structural contrast before opening into serrated green foliage. In summer, the plant produces small, bell-shaped white flowers speckled with purple spots, followed by reddish-purple fleshy drupes.

Uses & Benefits:

Grown for its dense, glossy evergreen foliage, interesting translucent leaf glands, and corky mature bark.

Serves as an exceptionally salt-tolerant windbreak, hedge, or soil stabilizer in exposed coastal zones.

Provides shelter and nesting sites for coastal birds, while flowers attract generalist insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance for maritime humidity

Lifespan

20-50 years

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested (contains ngaione)

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with excellent drainage, as waterlogged soil triggers root rot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at its original container depth.
Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then reduce frequency to rely on natural rainfall.
Prune annually after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit, taking care to only cut into leafy stems.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning heavily into old, leafless wood, as this species lacks dormant epicormic buds on bare stems and will fail to shoot back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune regularly to maintain a dense shape for hedges or windbreaks.
Plant in well-drained, sandy, or coastal soils where salt spray is common.
Wear gloves when handling the sticky foliage to avoid potential skin irritation.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood, as the stems cannot regenerate new growth.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not plant near livestock pastures due to the high toxicity of the leaves.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Windbreaks and shelterbeltsCoastal hedging and screeningErosion control on coastal banks

Companion Plants

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Artemisia californica Eriogonum fasciculatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ngaio questions

What zones can Ngaio grow in?

Ngaio 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.

When does Ngaio bloom?

Ngaio 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 Ngaio need full sun?

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

Is Ngaio drought tolerant?

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