Dichroa

Dichroa Febrifuga – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden such as Dichroa febrifuga delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have both the largest variety of evergreen hydrangea plants, and the right one for your space. Our Dichroa have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate, and we only grow and stock the highest quality plants. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Dichroa, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Dichroa Questions

1. How do you prune Dichroa?

Pruning Dichroa isn't a necessity, but it can be beneficial for maintaining shape, encouraging bushier growth, and maximising flowering. Here are some tips:

• Prune Dichroa in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This gives the plant enough time to recover before focusing on blooming.
• Don't prune during summer or autumn, as this can remove flower buds and limit blooming potential.
• Aim for a light pruning, removing no more than 1/3 of the plant's height. This helps maintain the plant's natural shape and encourages bushier growth.
• Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also trim back overgrown or leggy branches to improve the overall appearance.
• Consider the size and shape of your Dichroa when pruning. You may need to adjust the amount of pruning depending on your desired outcome.
• If you're unsure about how much to prune, it's always better to err on the side of caution and prune less. You can always prune more later if needed.

Remember that pruning can slightly delay blooming in the first year, but it will benefit the plant in the long run by promoting healthier growth and more abundant blooms in subsequent years.

2. How do you care for Dichroa febrifuga?

Caring for Dichroa febrifuga is relatively straightforward, and with a little attention, you can enjoy its beautiful blue flowers and vibrant foliage throughout the season. Here's a guide to help you:

Sunlight and Location:

• Dichroa febrifuga thrives in dappled sunlight or partial shade, receiving around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much direct sun, especially in hot climates, can scorch the leaves.
• Choose a location with well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Sandy loam or slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) is ideal.

Watering and Fertiliser:

• Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
• Apply an appropriate fertiliser to provide sustained nutrition such as: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

Pruning:

• Dichroa febrifuga doesn't require frequent pruning, but it can be beneficial to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Mulching:

• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

3. What is the common name for Dichroa febrifuga?

Dichroa febrifuga has several common names, which can vary depending on the region and language. Here are some of the most common:

• Chinese quinine: This refers to the plant's medicinal use as a treatment for fever, and its similarity to the quinine extracted from Cinchona trees.
• Blue evergreen hydrangea: This name highlights the similar appearance of Dichroa's blue flowers to those of a hydrangea, with the added benefit of evergreen foliage.
• Himalayan evergreen hydrangea: This is a more geographically specific name, used for varieties found in the Himalayan region.
• Yai khlang yai (Thailand): This name translates to "large grandmother bell", possibly referencing the shape of the flower buds.
• Hom kham (Thailand): This translates to "golden horn", potentially referring to the color of the flower buds.