Tree Tutu Plant Care

Coriaria arborea Linds.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Coriaria arborea, commonly known as tutu and tree tutu, is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Coriariaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Tree Tutu?

Plant Tree Tutu in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Tree Tutu Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Tree Tutu?

Tree Tutu (Coriaria arborea) belongs to the Coriariaceae family within the Coriaria genus. Tree Tutu is native to New Zealand. Tree Tutu is also known as New Zealand Coriaria.

Tree Tutu displays a spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Tree Tutu produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Tree Tutu?

Water a young or newly planted Tree Tutu every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Tree Tutu Need?

Tree Tutu thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree Tutu Prefer?

Coriaria arborea tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Tree Tutu prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree Tutu?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tree Tutu to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree Tutu?

Feed Tree Tutu every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Tree Tutu?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tree Tutu is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Tree Tutu?

Tree Tutu can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Tree Tutu?

Prune Tree Tutu while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Tree Tutu in Winter?

Tree Tutu is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Tree Tutu?

Tree Tutu can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to myrtle-leaved coriaria plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Tree Tutu Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic to humans and pets

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tree Tutu?

Tree Tutu is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tree Tutu Need?

Tree Tutu grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tree Tutu is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Tree Tutu as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Tree Tutu is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Coriaria genus — compare its care with other Coriaria species on PlantoScan.

Coriaria is part of the Coriariaceae plant family — browse all Coriariaceae genera and species.

Tree Tutu thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Coriaria Species

Other Coriaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Coriaria arborea Linds., family Coriariaceae (first published in Contr. New Zealand Bot. : 84 (1868)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Tree Tutu is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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