Corokia cotoneaster
Corokia cotoneaster, known as wire-netting bush (Māori: korokio), is a divaricating evergreen shrub endemic to New Zealand. It forms a dense, twiggy lattice of interlaced branches with small grey-green leaves, starry yellow spring flowers and orange to red berries that attract birds. It is widely used for hedging, coastal shelter and contemporary native gardens. native shrubs
Image credit: Wire-netting Bush (Corokia cotoneaster). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Corokia cotoneaster |
|---|---|
| Height | 1–3 m (up to 4 m as a hedge) |
| Spread | 1–2 m (prunable to shape) |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate once established |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Good; tolerates moderate frosts |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate to high (sheltered coastal sites) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived evergreen shrub |
Adapted to a wide range of conditions from coastal sites to inland gardens. Best in regions with free-draining soils and good light; tolerates wind and periodic drought once established.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Corokia cotoneaster prefers free-draining soils but is adaptable:
Best performance in:
Once established, this shrub is drought-tolerant:
Responds well to pruning and clipping. For hedges, trim lightly 2–3 times per year during active growth to maintain density. For specimen shrubs, remove crossing or congested stems to show the plant’s architectural framework.
Best planted in autumn or spring when soils are workable and moisture is reliable.
Endemic to New Zealand and characteristic of divaricating shrubs in dry, open habitats and forest margins. Now widely used in urban landscapes for formal hedges and native gardens due to its resilience and fine texture.
For a dense, even hedge, stagger two rows 30–40 cm apart and trim little-and-often during the first two years to encourage branching from the base.
Learn more about the cultural significance of native plants in Cultural Plants.
Wire-netting Bush (Corokia cotoneaster) is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, and its unique divaricating growth habit makes it a fascinating addition to any garden. When considering companion plants, look for other native species that complement its fine texture and tolerate similar conditions, such as well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Other Corokia species, or other divaricating shrubs, can create a cohesive and resilient native planting.
Corokia cotoneaster (korokia; wire–netting bush) is a divaricating shrub with interlaced, zig–zag branchlets, small grey–green leaves, and starry yellow flowers followed by orange–red berries. Naturally dense and easily clipped.
Widespread in dry to mesic scrub, forest margins, and rocky sites from coastal to montane zones. Prefers free–draining soils in full sun to light shade.
Divaricating habit provides refuge for invertebrates and small birds. Flowers support pollinators; berries feed birds that disperse seed locally.
Functions as a structural, low–maintenance framework species in restoration and streetscapes, building habitat complexity and seasonal resources.
Wire-netting bush plays important ecological roles in New Zealand's shrubland and forest margin ecosystems, where its distinctive tangled branching provides excellent habitat structure and protection for small native birds, lizards, and invertebrates. The plant's flowers attract native pollinators, while its orange berries provide important food resources for native birds. The dense, protective structure created by its interlacing branches makes it particularly valuable for providing secure nesting sites and shelter for native wildlife.
Clip lightly and often to build dense hedges. Water through the first summer; minimal irrigation thereafter. Light spring feed only if growth is weak.
Trim hedges two to three times per year for uniformity. Remove crossing or congested stems to maintain airflow. Monitor for scale in sheltered corners.
Ideal for formal and informal hedges, sculptural clips, and shelter in low–input gardens. Combines with hebes, olearia, and flaxes for texture contrast.
Widespread and Not Threatened. In ecological projects, use eco–sourced plants and protect establishing hedges from browsing until well rooted.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Wire-netting bush was recognized by Māori as one of the distinctive shrubs with its unique tangled, wire-like branching pattern, valued for its hardy nature and its role in indicating specific environmental conditions in traditional ecological knowledge. The plant's unusual growth form and distinctive yellow flowers made it easily recognizable among native vegetation, while its berries provided food for birds. The species continues to hold cultural interest as one of New Zealand's most distinctive native shrubs and represents the remarkable diversity of growth forms found in native flora.
