Lophomyrtus obcordata [Taringatua, SI, NZ]

Myrtaceous shrub of New Zealand, this form has wiry, deep brown stems with 1/4-1/2", round, plum-tinted leaves appearing to float among them. In spring these 6-8 ft shrubs are adorned with clusters of rounded, white, fragrant flowers. Fine garden specimens, hedges, or container plants and easily shorn to shape. At least tolerant of dappled shade though leaf color is at its best in bright light. Also prefers well-drained soil relatively low in nutrients. This is one of the hardiest species, doing well in our garden for some time though should be protected where temperatures drop regularly into the upper teens F, USDA zone 8.