Metrosideros
(Pro - nun - see - ashun )
metrosideros Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Metrosideros vary depending on the species. For more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Metrosideros collina This species grows well in zones 16, 17, 23, and 24 and is native to Hawai'i. It has a somewhat shrubby, upright growth and produces powder-puff shaped red blooms in spring and early summertime. It is useful as a flowering hedge. Varieties include 'Springfire' (8-12 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, with orange-red blooms and gray-green leaves), and 'Fiji' (to 2 feet tall and wide, with red flowers and copper new leaves). |
Metrosideros excelsia (New Zealand Christmas Tree, Pohutukawa) This species grows well in zones 16, 17, 23, 24, H1 and H2 and is native to New Zealand. These trees reach 30 feet tall or more, and spread as wide as they are tall. Lower branches should be pruned off if a tree form is desired. Leaves are dark green above, wooly underneath. These are useful as lawn or street trees Variety 'Aurea' has yellow flowers and variety 'Gala' has leaves centered with yellow and dark red flowers with gold-tipped stamens. |
Metrosideros villosa 'Tahiti' (Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Tahiti') (Dwarf Pohutukawa) This species is native to New Zealand and grows well in zones 16, 17, 23, 24, H1 and H2 and forms a compact shrub 3 feet tall and wide with orange-red flowers that bloom in springtime and sporadically through summer. Remove seed heads after flowers fade to discourage reseeding and encourage rebloom. Variety 'Tahitian Sunset' has cream and pink variegated foliage. |
Caring for and pruning Metrosideros Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 442 - 443, Metrosideros
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!