Family
Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)

Distribution
This is not a naturally-occurring plant as it is a hybrid between Brachyglottis perdicioides and Brachyglottis hectori which was found in Mr Alfred Atkinson's garden. Brachyglottis perdicioides comes from the Bay of Plenty district while the Brachyglottis hectori is from the North West Nelson area.

Description
An erect woody shrub around 2 m high by 1.5 m wide or more. The leaves are light green, 10 cm x 3 - 4 cm, serrated edges and are slightly scented with lemon when warm or crushed. The flowers in spring are light yellow/white and about 1 cm across; the flowers are produced in masses beyond the foliage. This shrub will literally cover itself in flowers.

Cultivation
Requires full sun or dappled light in a sheltered area in a well-drained soil preferably not too acidic. It will not tolerate wet feet. Very attractive and fast growing. Can be temperamental. Once it has flowered it will die off quite a lot, but if it is left it will resprout. It can also be pruned back and should recover quite soon. Note: It is important that you accept that a plant like this is a risky choice, and sudden death is a possibility. And we will not be able to give you a magical solution or reason. However this plant has been successful in many gardens even in warmer places.