Endangered leguminous North Island shrub with bright red pendulous flowers. Needs a well drained sunny site away from heavy frost. Nectar for Tui and Bellbirds, Watch for slugs, snail and insect damage.

Single stem initially, then branched with strap-like leaves, evergreen. Tolerates a wide range of sites, including coastal and swampy sites. Our selection is from a cold inland Canterbury site.

East Asia. Broadly spreading, deciduous. Distinctly layered branches. Creamy flowers in flattened heads in early summer followed by blue-black berries loved by birds. Purple-red autumn colours.

Central and Sth Europe. Broadly conical, deciduous. Small clusters of tiny yellow flowers on bare branches in winter. Red or orange glossy fruits in January/February are sour but edible and used for conserves. Good shelter screen.