New Zealand Jasmine (Kaihua)
Parsonsia heterophylla
Parsonsia heterophylla, commonly known as New Zealand Jasmine or Kaihua, is an elegant native climber that produces clusters of sweetly scented white flowers. This versatile vine shows remarkable variation in leaf shape throughout its life cycle and can climb to impressive heights in forest environments. Its strong sParsonsia heterophylla native trees
Image credit: Kaihua (Parsonsia heterophylla). Wikipedia
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Parsonsia heterophylla |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 10 meters (33 ft) as a climber |
| Spread | Spreads several meters; twining vine that can cover trees and fences |
| Water Needs | Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soils |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Low to moderate; young plants need protection from frost |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate; tolerates some coastal exposure |
| Growth Rate | Fast; vigorous climber in suitable conditions |
| Lifespan | Perennial; long-lived in forest settings |
Climate Suitability
| City | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Excellent |
| Auckland | Excellent |
| Hamilton | Excellent |
| Tauranga | Excellent |
| Rotorua | Excellent |
| Gisborne | Excellent |
| New Plymouth | Excellent |
| Napier | Excellent |
| Whanganui | Excellent |
| Palmerston North | Excellent |
| Wellington | Excellent |
| Nelson | Excellent |
| Christchurch | Good |
| Dunedin | Good |
| Invercargill | Good |
Growing
- Thrives in well-drained, fertile soils
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Water regularly during establishment
- Can climb trees, fences, or trellises
Uses
- Attractive climber for gardens and naturalistic plantings
- Provides habitat and food for native insects
- Traditional Māori uses include medicinal applications
Seasonal Care
- Spring: Prune to shape and encourage new growth
- Summer: Water during dry spells; enjoy flowering
- Autumn: Mulch and tidy fallen leaves
- Winter: Protect young plants from heavy frost
Pruning
- Prune after flowering to control size and shape
- Remove dead or tangled stems as needed
Planting Guide
- Choose a sunny or partially shaded site with good drainage
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball
- Mix compost into the soil
- Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container
- Water well and mulch around the base
Propagation
- Seed: Sow fresh seed in moist, well-drained mix; germination can be slow
- Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer; use rooting hormone for best results
Cultural History
Parsonsia heterophylla is known as "kaihua" or "Akakiore" in te reo Māori. It is valued for its fragrant flowers and features in traditional stories. Māori used the plant for medicinal purposes and as a source of fibre.
Pests & Diseases
- Generally hardy, but can be affected by scale insects and caterpillars
- Root rot possible in poorly drained soils
- Monitor for signs of disease and treat promptly
Bonus Tip
Train Parsonsia heterophylla on a trellis or fence for a fragrant, native privacy screen. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowers.
