Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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cassia tree nz

The cassia tree is fast becoming a favourite ornamental feature in New Zealand gardens thanks to its lush, spreading canopy and an eye-catching display of golden-yellow flowers. If you’re in the market for a cassia tree NZ, you’ll find it offers a vibrant burst of colour just when many other trees are winding down for winter. Cassia trees are valued for their rapid growth, light shade, and generous spring through autumn bloom, making them a wonderful choice for both urban backyards and larger lifestyle blocks throughout the country.

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

Cassia 'John Ball'

Cassia 'John Ball' (Buttercup Tree) is a stunning small tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that create a spectacular display in warm seasons. It brings a tropical feel to New Zealand gardens and is especially suited to frost free or sheltered locations. With its open canopy and vibrant colour, it is ideal as a feature tree in lawns, courtyards, or larger garden spaces.

Buy Cassia 'John Ball'

From $24.23

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Autumn, Winter

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Why Choose a Cassia Tree in New Zealand?

A cassia tree NZ is ideal for gardeners seeking a hardy, low-maintenance option with reliable visual impact. These tropical and subtropical trees happily adapt to many regions from Auckland to Christchurch, thriving in full sun and tolerating a range of free-draining soil types. Their spectacular blossoms also attract native pollinators, adding life and movement to your landscape. Whether planted as a standout specimen or in a group for dramatic effect, cassia trees offer a delightful focal point year after year.

Popular Cassia Varieties for NZ Gardens

There are several cassia tree options suited for New Zealand conditions. Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree) is admired for its neat habit and masses of bright yellow blooms from spring until the first frosts. If you’re after a more delicately foliaged specimen, Cassia leptophylla is a classic favourite, showcasing fern-like leaves and golden, cascading flower clusters in mid to late summer.

Planting and Care Tips for Cassia Trees

Cassia trees are relatively undemanding once established. For best results, choose a warm, sheltered spot with good air circulation and plant in well-drained soil. Younger saplings benefit from a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress competing weeds. Water regularly during their first summer, then reduce as the roots develop. An annual feed in early spring will promote strong growth and maximum flowering. Avoid heavy frosts, as young plants are frost-sensitive—coastal and mild-climate gardens are ideal.

Regular pruning isn’t essential, but you can lightly shape your cassia tree after flowering to maintain size and encourage bushier growth. With proper care, cassia trees can provide years of beauty and reliable performance.

Complementing Your Garden with Other Tree Varieties

To enhance your garden’s biodiversity and year-round interest, consider pairing cassia trees with other spectacular NZ-friendly species. Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia) offers gorgeous tubular flowers and is an excellent choice for shade gardens. For a distinctly New Zealand flavour, Sophora chathamica (Chatham Island kōwhai) brings classic yellow blooms beloved by native birds. Coastal gardeners might enjoy the bold red flowers of Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa), a national treasure and an excellent companion to cassia trees.

Find Your Perfect Cassia Tree NZ

Cassia trees bring both structure and luminous beauty to gardens across New Zealand. Whether you’re seeking the enduring sunshine of Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree) or the delicate foliage of Cassia leptophylla, there’s a cassia tree to suit your landscape style. Explore our range and let your space burst into bloom with this enduring garden favourite.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.