Karamu Plant Care

Karamu (Litsea calicaris) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Litsea genus. Karamu is native to the North Island of New Zealand, occurring in lowland forest from near North Cape south to about 38°S. Karamu is also known as Blackberry, Pigeonwood.

Karamu displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Karamu produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

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

Karamu thrives in partial to full sun.

Litsea calicaris tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Karamu prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Karamu to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Karamu every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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.

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

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Karamu is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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

Karamu can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Karamu 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 tree in one year.

Karamu is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Karamu can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese privet plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Karamu is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Karamu grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Karamu is native to the North Island of New Zealand, occurring in lowland forest from near North Cape south to about 38°S. In cooler regions, grow Karamu as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.