Hailing all the way from New Zealand, the Corokia (better known as the Zigzag Bush) is a total standout in any plant collection. It gets its name from its quirky growth habit—during the growing season, the stems constantly change direction, creating that signature “zigzag” look we love. If you’re looking for a unique conversation starter for your patio or a cool room in your house, this is it. Plus, here’s the best part: it’s considered non-toxic!
Is the Zigzag Bush Safe?
Good news for parents and pet owners! This interesting shrub is classified as non-toxic. Whether it’s the leaves, the bark, or the flowers, there are no nasty toxins to worry about, making it a safe choice for households with curious kids or furry friends.
However, there is one “diva” quality to keep in mind: it loves to stay cool. Even in the summer, it’s happiest around 60°F (15°C). This means a stuffy, overheated living room isn’t the best spot for it. You’ll have much better luck keeping it in a cool sunroom, a lightly heated spare room, or even a bright hallway.
Getting Those Blooms to Pop
If you want to see your Zigzag Bush bloom, it’s all about the temperature. During its winter nap, the plant needs to stay in a chilly spot between 40°F and 50°F (5-10°C). If it stays too warm over the winter, it likely won’t flower come spring. But if you get the temperature just right, you’ll be rewarded with dainty yellow flowers from April through June.
A quick pro-tip on feeding: Give it some standard fertilizer every two weeks until you see flower buds starting to form. As soon as it starts blooming, stop fertilizing! If you keep feeding it while it’s in bloom, it might drop its flowers prematurely. Once the flowers fade and the little fruits start to develop, you can get back to your regular feeding schedule.
By autumn, those flowers turn into bright red berries. While they aren’t poisonous, they aren’t exactly a snack, either. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to move the plant out of reach of kids and pets once the berries appear.
Quick Care Guide
The Zigzag Bush is actually pretty low-maintenance once you find its “sweet spot.” Here are the essentials:
- Summer Vibes: Pick a location that is bright and cool, but keep it out of harsh, direct sunlight.
- Winter Chill: Keep it in a cool (40-50°F), airy spot during the winter months.
- Pruning: You only need to trim it back in the spring if the branches are starting to look a bit wild or out of shape.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but don’t let it sit in a puddle. It hates “wet feet!”
- Feeding: Use a standard liquid fertilizer from spring through fall, but remember to take a break while it’s flowering (April–June).
- Repotting: No need to rush! Only move it to a bigger home once it has clearly outgrown its current pot.
