Korokio (wire-netting bush) Corokia cotoneaster
Korokio (wire-netting bush) (Corokia cotoneaster) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Argophyllaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) tall and 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Korokio (wire-netting bush) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.

Korokio (wire-netting bush) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Argophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Korokio (wire-netting bush) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korokio (wire-netting bush)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Korokio (wire-netting bush)
- How far apart should I plant Korokio (wire-netting bush)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft).
- Does Korokio (wire-netting bush) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korokio (wire-netting bush) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korokio (wire-netting bush)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Korokio (wire-netting bush) flower?
- From about October for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Korokio (wire-netting bush) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Korokio (wire-netting bush)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korokio (wire-netting bush). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Zig-zag tangled stems with tiny silver-backed leaves; starry yellow flowers then red berries. Tough in wind and drought.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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