LOPHOMYTRUS 'RED DRAGON' - THE PRESS PLANT OF THE MONTH AUGUST 2009

Lophomyrtus is from the myrtle family, native to New Zealand of which there are two species, both noted for their colourful leaves.  Lophomyrtus 'Red Dragon', as the name suggests, has a dark red, almost black foliage colouring which intensifies over the cooler months.  Its versatility is evident in its usage as a hedge, backdrop and specimen plant in a pot or simply as a garden gap filler.  Plant it with the contrasting foliage of Astelia 'Silver Spear', Phormium 'Evening Glow' and the lime-green flowers of the compact Euphorbia 'Kea' for a show stopper.

From native gardens to more formal settings, Lophormyrtus 'Red Dragon' will be quite at home.  Its ideal situation is in full sun to part shade, in fertile moist soils.  In infancy it prefers a little protection from heavy frosts.  With a mature height of two metres by one metre, a light prunce will ket this one as a medium sized hedge or gap filler.

Gardening Solutionz and The Press Gardening has five Lophomyrtus 'Red Dragon' plants to give away.  To enter the draw, write your name and address on the back of an envelope and send it to Lophomyrtus Giveaway, Press Gardening, PO Box 1005, Christchurch 8140 to reach The Press no later than noon on Wednesday 12th August 2009. 

Congratulations to Alex Aitken, Brian Brookes, Michele Holmes, M MacKenzie and Les Odgers who each won a Lophomyrtus 'Red Dragon'.