5x Wineberry X Abigail Gordon - $5.99 each

Aristotelia × ‘Abigail Gordon’

(Wineberry hybrid)

Common Names: Wineberry, Makomako (hybrid)
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
Origin: New Zealand (naturally occurring hybrid selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub

Overview:

Aristotelia × ‘Abigail Gordon’ is a robust and highly ornamental New Zealand native shrub, valued for its glossy foliage, shapely compact form, and exceptional toughness. Selected from naturally occurring wineberry hybrids, it combines good garden structure with alpine hardiness, making it a reliable performer in challenging conditions.

Key Features:

Foliage: Glossy green leaves with occasional yellow highlights, providing subtle seasonal interest
Flowers / Fruit: Soft pink flowers appear in mid-spring, followed by dark wine-coloured berries discreetly held within the foliage
Form & Habit: Compact, well-shaped shrub with a naturally tidy outline
Growth Rate: Moderate
Cultural & Ecological Value: Flowers and fruit provide food for native insects and birds

Mature Size:

Attribute	Size
Height	2 m
Spread	2 m
Form	Compact rounded shrub

Ideal Growing Conditions:

Requirement	Detail
Light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil	Well-drained soils; adaptable to a wide range of soil types
pH Range	Acid to neutral
Frost Tolerance	Very frost hardy; suitable for alpine conditions

Landscaping & Garden Uses:

• Feature shrub in native and mixed plantings

• Shelter and structure in alpine or exposed gardens

• Mass planting for tough, low-maintenance landscapes

• Excellent for lifestyle blocks and restoration projects

Care & Maintenance:

Pruning: Light pruning after flowering if required to maintain shape
Watering: Regular during establishment; minimal once established
Feeding: Generally not required; light spring feeding if desired
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free

Additional Tips:

Aristotelia hybrids arise naturally from crosses between forest wineberry (Aristotelia serrata) and the much tougher mountain wineberry. These hybrids combine ornamental appeal with outstanding resilience.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:

The original wineberry hybrid that led to the well-known Pioneer Collection was discovered near Lake Wakatipu. A Central Otago breeding programme has since produced several hardy wineberry cultivars, selected specifically for toughness and performance in alpine environments.

Why Choose Aristotelia × ‘Abigail Gordon’?

If you’re after a hardy, shapely native shrub with glossy foliage, subtle seasonal colour, and proven alpine resilience, ‘Abigail Gordon’ is an outstanding choice.

Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.