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types of pohutukawa trees

Pōhutukawa trees are iconic in New Zealand, celebrated for their vibrant crimson flowers and their resilience in coastal environments. There are several types of pohutukawa trees, each with unique characteristics suited for different garden styles and purposes. If you’re planning to add this classic New Zealand native to your landscape, it helps to understand the various cultivars and natural varieties available. This guide explores some of the most popular types of pohutukawa trees, highlighting their features and best uses in your garden.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers that bloom in early summer. Growing up to 20 metres tall, it features gnarled branches and leathery, silver-green leaves. Pōhutukawa is salt-tolerant, wind-hardy, and ideal for coastal planting, erosion control, and iconic feature trees. Its vibrant blooms and resilience make it a treasured symbol of summer and a standout in NZ landscapes.

Buy Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

From $26.93

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 10.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Native

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.

Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation. In summer, it produces vibrant red flowers that attract native birds and add spectacular colour to the garden. Hardy and evergreen, this variety performs well in a wide range of conditions, including coastal sites. Its unique foliage and seasonal blooms make it a standout choice for NZ gardens.

Buy Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

From $28.28

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 6.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

The Classic Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

The most well-known of all types of pohutukawa trees is Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa). This classic tree can reach heights of up to 20 metres, developing a broad, gnarled canopy with silvery-green leaves. In early summer, it bursts into a breathtaking show of red flowers, attracting native birds and pollinators. Perfect for coastal gardens and larger landscapes, this pohutukawa offers excellent shelter, wind resistance, and year-round beauty.

Variegated Pohutukawa Options

Gardeners intrigued by unique foliage may enjoy the Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa). This special variety displays green leaves edged with creamy-white, adding visual interest even outside of its flowering season. It stays more compact than the traditional Pōhutukawa and is well-suited for smaller gardens, pots, or as an eye-catching specimen tree.

Compact and Upright Forms: 'Maori Princess' and 'Spring Fire'

When you want the beauty of pohutukawa in a smaller area or an urban setting, consider more compact or upright varieties. Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a popular pick, cultivated for its strong, upright growth and dense, glossy foliage. It flowers prolifically in summer, showing vibrant red to crimson blooms. This type is ideal for street planting, feature trees, or as a windbreak in gardens with limited space.

Another striking cultivar is Metrosideros 'Spring Fire', valued for its early and extended flowering period. ‘Spring Fire’ is slightly smaller and denser than the species, producing masses of red-orange brushes that light up gardens from spring well into summer. Its compact growth means it fits neatly into contemporary gardens, coastal plantings, or as an attractive hedge.

Unique Regional Varieties: 'Maungapiko'

If you’re passionate about regional pohutukawa forms, Metrosideros 'Maungapiko' brings something distinctive to the table. Developed from a naturally occurring Northland pohutukawa, this variety is admired for its unique growth habit and lush, dark green leaves. It makes an excellent choice for gardeners seeking something a little different while retaining the classic qualities that make pohutukawa so beloved.

Choosing the Right Pohutukawa for Your Garden

From dramatic, spreading canopy trees to compact specimens ideal for pots and coastal gardens, there are types of pohutukawa trees to suit virtually any landscape. Whether you favour the traditional Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) or ornamental selections like Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa), these native treasures bring colour, biodiversity, and timeless appeal to New Zealand gardens.

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