Common name: New Zealand Myrtle

Description: Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Golden Dragon' is a compact evergreen shrub from New Zealand producing small, round to oval leaves in cheerful golden-yellow and green tones. The attractive foliage is accompanied in summer by small, fragrant white flowers followed by dark berries. Its neat, dense habit makes it ideal for containers and sheltered border planting. Best suited to mild gardens or sheltered spots in the UK, it brings a colourful and unusual quality to the garden year-round.

Other benefits: golden variegated foliage, fragrant flowers, compact habit

Wildlife attraction: bees visit the flowers; birds eat the berries

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1m x 1m

Position: full sun to partial shade; sheltered from frost and cold winds

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid

Moisture: well-drained; moisture-retentive

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -5°C; best in mild regions or sheltered spots