Lacebark (Hoheria): A Beautiful But Non-Native Tree for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a stunning flowering tree that brings late-season blooms to your landscape, you might have stumbled across the lacebark tree. This New Zealand native has been making its way into California gardens, where it’s found a comfortable home. But before you rush to plant one, let’s dive into what makes this tree special – and whether it’s the right choice for your garden.
What Is Lacebark?
Lacebark, scientifically known as Hoheria, is a perennial tree that typically grows as a single-stemmed specimen reaching heights of 13-16 feet or more. What sets this tree apart is its gorgeous display of fragrant white flowers that appear in late summer and early fall, just when many other trees are winding down their show. The tree gets its common name from its distinctive bark, which peels away in delicate, papery layers that look almost like lace.
The heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges add to its ornamental appeal, creating an attractive backdrop for those stunning white blooms that pollinators absolutely love.
Where Does Lacebark Grow?
Originally from New Zealand, lacebark is considered a non-native species in the United States. It has established itself in California, where it reproduces on its own without human intervention. This means it’s quite happy in our climate and has proven it can thrive here.
Should You Plant Lacebark in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Lacebark isn’t native to our region, which means it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as our indigenous trees. However, it’s not currently listed as invasive or noxious, so it won’t cause environmental harm if you choose to grow it.
The tree does offer some benefits:
- Beautiful late-season flowers that attract bees and other pollinators
- Attractive peeling bark that adds winter interest
- Manageable size perfect for smaller gardens
- Relatively low maintenance once established
That said, if you’re passionate about supporting native ecosystems, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local wildlife.
Growing Lacebark Successfully
If you decide to give lacebark a try, here’s what you need to know about keeping it happy:
Climate and Hardiness
Lacebark thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, making it well-suited for California’s climate. It prefers temperate conditions and does particularly well in coastal areas.
Growing Conditions
This tree isn’t too fussy about its growing conditions, but it does have some preferences:
- Well-drained soil is essential – it doesn’t like wet feet
- Partial shade to full sun works well
- Protection from strong winds helps prevent damage
- Regular watering until established, then it becomes fairly drought-tolerant
Planting and Care Tips
Spring is the best time to plant your lacebark tree. Choose a spot that meets its growing requirements and give it plenty of room to reach its mature size. Water regularly during its first year to help it get established.
Once your tree is settled in, maintenance is fairly straightforward:
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Water during extended dry periods
- Watch for any signs of stress and adjust care accordingly
The Bottom Line
Lacebark is undeniably beautiful and can make a lovely addition to the right garden. Its late-season flowers and interesting bark provide year-round appeal, and it’s not too demanding to grow. However, as a non-native species, it won’t provide the same ecological benefits as our indigenous trees.
If you’re committed to native gardening, consider exploring California native trees that offer similar ornamental value. But if you’ve fallen in love with lacebark’s unique charm and understand its non-native status, it can be a responsible choice for your landscape – just remember that supporting native plants wherever possible helps create healthier ecosystems for everyone.
