How to Grow and Care for Lophomyrtus

Rama rama (Lophomyrtus bullata) is a shrub that offers plenty of ornamental appeal with its bushy shape and unique leaves. The scientific name bullata means blistered and refers to the plant's striking two-colored leaves, which have an unusual blistered appearance. Unfortunately, this plant is now severely threatened by a fungus called myrtle rust (Ustropuccinia psidii) that only arrived in New Zealand in 2017.

Rohutu (Lophomyrtus obcordata) is a dense shrub whose attractive gray and red leaves lend themselves to growing ornamentally as a hedge. Its dark red berries attract birds. The wood produced by this shrub is very dense and an appealing red color. It is used in detailed inlay craftwork.

Lophomyrtus × ralphii 'Magic Dragon' is a lovely container plant or shrub that has unique variegated foliage of green, pink, and white and blooms small white flowers in the spring. It is a variety of the Lophomyrtus × ralphii, a hybrid of Lophomyrtus bullata and Lophomyrtus obcordata that produces varieties with all sorts of unique foliage color combinations. The name refers to the magical colors of this unique variety.

Lophomyrtus × ralphii 'Red Dragon' is a vibrant, evergreen shrub known for its striking reddish-purple foliage that deepens in color when exposed to full sunlight. The delicate, mottled leaves and small, star-shaped white to pink flowers offer a striking contrast and decorative appeal. Adaptable and hardy, lophomyrtus × ralphii 'Red Dragon' thrives in a variety of soils and climates, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and landscaping.