Wire Netting Bush Corokia × virgata 'Red Wonder'
ABOUT
Corokia × virgata 'Red Wonder', more commonly known as wire netting bush, is a distinctive shrub with a dense, twiggy, and interlaced branch structure that gives it a wiry appearance. The branches are often a dark color, providing a striking contrast to its foliage. The leaves are small, generally oval-shaped, and have a leathery texture. They are often a rich green or gray-green color on top and may have a lighter hue underneath. During the blooming season, the wire netting bush is adorned with small, star-shaped, yellow flowers. These blossoms are modest yet produce a lovely effect against the dark branches of the plant. As the flowering season ends, it bears small, red berries which add to its ornamental appeal. These berries can persist on the plant, providing additional visual interest. The overall form of the wire netting bush is somewhat sculptural, with the tightly interwoven branches creating good depth and texture, making it an appealing choice for a garden focal point or as part of a mixed planting. The combination of its dense branching habit, together with its unique foliage, flowers, and berries, gives the wire netting bush a complex yet intriguing aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Argophyllaceae.
Synonyms
Wire Netting Bush, Korokio, Twiggy.
Common names
Corokia × virgata 'Red Wonder'.
ToxicityTo humans
Corokia 'Red Wonder' is not widely documented for its toxicity in humans, and there isn't enough scientific evidence available to conclude that it is hazardous when touched or ingested. However, as with many ornamental plants, it's generally advisable to avoid ingestion and to supervise children and pets around the plant. If someone does ingest parts of the plant and experiences adverse reactions or symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice.
To pets
Corokia 'Red Wonder' is not widely recognized for its toxicity to pets, and specific information regarding its potential poisoning symptoms is limited. However, as with any plant, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption. If a pet does consume parts of this plant and shows signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is important to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Corokia 'Red Wonder' has unique, fine-textured leaves that add visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant to drought, making it a good choice for water-wise landscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Ornamental Berries: Produces small, red berries that can attract birds and provide visual interest in the autumn and winter.
- Architectural Form: Its interlacing branches create a structural form that can add an architectural element to garden designs.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used for hedging, as a specimen plant, or in mixed borders, offering a range of design options.
- Wind Resistance: Its sturdy structure makes it suitable for windy sites, such as coastal gardens.
- Frost Hardy: It is relatively hardy in cool climates, capable of withstanding light frosts.
- Pollinator Friendly: Produces small flowers that can attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with its foliage, and seasonal interest with its flowers and berries.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Corokia 'Red Wonder' can be utilized as a low hedge or border in landscaping due to its dense and intricate branch structure, offering privacy and a decorative element to gardens.
- The wood from the Corokia 'Red Wonder' is sometimes used in small-scale carving projects or for crafting unique jewelry because of its interesting texture and color.
- The silvery foliage and contrasting red berries make it a desirable option for floral arrangements and wreaths, particularly in autumn and winter months.
- Corokia 'Red Wonder' can be employed in bonsai culture, where its wiry branches and small leaves lend themselves well to the bonsai aesthetic.
- The plant's distinctive form makes it suitable for thematic gardens, such as "moon gardens" designed to be enjoyed at twilight or under moonlight.
- Gardeners may employ Corokia 'Red Wonder' as a backdrop for other plants in mixed beds, with its foliage providing a stunning contrast to flowering species.
- The plant can act as a natural windbreak in coastal areas, tolerating windy conditions and providing shelter for other plants.
- Corokia 'Red Wonder' is sometimes used in fantasy and themed gardens to create otherworldly or mysterious landscapes because of its unusual and intricate appearance.
- Photographers and artists might use the Corokia 'Red Wonder' as a subject for study due to its intricate lines and visual appeal, particularly in black and white photography.
- The Corokia 'Red Wonder' is suitable for creating a natural habitat garden to attract and support wildlife such as birds, which may feed on its berries.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Corokia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Corokia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Corokia × virgata 'Red Wonder', commonly known as Wire Netting Bush, is a hardy plant that can tolerate various conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt to different environments and situations.
- Protection: The tangled, interlocking branches of the Wire Netting Bush can symbolize a barrier against negativity, offering protection to those around it.
- Resilience: This plant’s ability to withstand harsh conditions represents resilience and the capacity to persevere through challenges.
- Uniqueness: With its distinctive, wiry appearance, the Wire Netting Bush symbolizes the celebration of one's unique qualities and the beauty of being different.
- Structure: The complex structure of the plant can represent the importance of a strong foundation and organization in life.
WaterThe Wire Netting Bush should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this may mean watering every one to two weeks, but frequency should be adjusted according to the climate and season. Use room temperature water and gently soak the soil until water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot. This might require approximately 16-32 ounces for a medium-sized pot. Allow the plant to drain any excess water as standing water can lead to root rot, and ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
LightThe Wire Netting Bush thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sun but does best when the light is filtered through a sheer curtain or placed in a bright room where it doesn't receive harsh midday rays. A spot near an east or west-facing window would be ideal, ensuring it receives plenty of light without the risk of scorching its foliage.
TemperatureThe Wire Netting Bush prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temporary dips down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost or temperatures below this range. Ensure that the plant is protected from drafts and drastic temperature changes to maintain its health and growth.
PruningThe Wire Netting Bush benefits from light pruning to shape the plant and encourage denser growth. This should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune back any dead or damaged branches to maintain a tidy appearance and promote the health of the plant. Annual or biennial pruning is generally sufficient unless the plant is being trained for a particular shape or size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCorokia 'Red Wonder,' commonly known as Wirenetting Bush, thrives best in a soil mixture that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture consisting of two parts peat or coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or well-aged manure will provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. The ideal pH for Wirenetting Bush is slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingWirenetting Bush should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure it has enough room to grow. Choose a container that is one size larger than the current one. Repotting is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & MistingWirenetting Bush prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different environments. Aim for humidity levels around 40-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA.
Life cycleCorokia × virgata 'Red Wonder', more commonly known as Wire Netting Bush, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in fertile, well-draining soil with adequate moisture. The seedling stage follows, characterized by initial leaf development and the establishment of a root system. Vegetative growth is the next phase, during which the plant rapidly increases in size and produces the characteristic interlaced, wiry branches. Following maturity, the Wire Netting Bush enters the flowering stage, bearing small, star-shaped yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces small, red or yellow berries in the reproductive stage, which are spread by birds, leading to the dispersal of seeds and the continuation of the cycle. Finally, once reaching the end of its lifespan, which can vary depending on environmental conditions and care, the plant will undergo senescence and eventually die, returning nutrients to the soil.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Corokia × virgata 'Red Wonder', commonly known as Wire Netting Bush, is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer to early autumn when the plant's growth begins to slow and the wood is semi-ripe. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free branches. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or coarse sand to provide good drainage and aeration. The pot is kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. Maintaining moisture without waterlogging is important until roots establish, which may take several weeks.
