This shrub has multiple upright stems that form a rounded spreading crown. It has dark green (marbled-like) oval leaves and the nodding orange-red tube-shaped flowers appear singularly from late winter to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Rhabdothamnus solandri is naturally found in New Zealand growing from North Cape to Wellington and extending to south Wanganui in the North Island growing in shaded lowland areas. It prefers a well drained organic rich moist soil in a wind protected position and is drought and frost tender.

Waiu-atua is grown for its flowers and its upright habit. It is planted along shaded borders or used as an understorey plant in a woodland setting. It is also planted in courtyards as a specimen establishing in 2 to 3 years. It is suitable for coastal regions but the plant may be difficult to obtain. ID 2879

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated outside its native environment and may be difficult to obtained requiring a specialist nursery.

Rhabdothamnus(rab-doh-THAM-nus) solandri(so-LAN-dry)

Gesneriaceae(ges-ner-ee-AY-see-ee)
African Violets and Gloxinias