Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

fuchsia excorticata nz

Fuchsia excorticata NZ, also known as Tree Fuchsia or kotukutuku, is a remarkable and distinctive native tree that brings a unique touch to New Zealand gardens. With its graceful arching branches, papery peeling bark, and pendant flowers that appear in shades of lilac, purple, and red, Fuchsia excorticata is beloved by both gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts. This versatile small tree can brighten sheltered garden beds, stream banks, or regenerating native bush, offering year-round interest with its striking foliage and a habitat for native birds including tui and bellbirds. As one of the few native fuchsias, it brings a sense of heritage and authenticity to any NZ landscape while being relatively low-maintenance and adaptable.

Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia)

Tree Fuchsia, Kotukutuku

Fuchsia excorticata, commonly known as Tree Fuchsia or Kōtukutuku, is a unique New Zealand native tree admired for its colourful, tubular flowers and peeling bark. It is the world's largest fuchsia species, providing nectar rich blooms that attract native birds such as tūī and bellbirds.

Fuchsia excorticata purple-pink flowers on a branch.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    10.00 m
  • Spread:
    4.50 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring
  • Tolerances:
    Shade
  • Garden uses:
    Living areas
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Most Popular Fuchsia procumbens (Climbing Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$14.95
fuchsia-babette-
Most Popular Fuchsia 'Babette'

Fuchsia 'Babette' is a variety of fuchsia favoured for its exquisite flowers. It becomes smothered in showy, double flowers which are light purple...

From$19.95
fuchsia-patio-princess--1
Most Popular Fuchsia 'Patio Princess'

Fuchsia 'Patio Princess' is a compact, free flowering variety bred for containers and small garden spaces. It produces elegant pendant blooms in soft...

From$19.95
A stunning Fuchsia 'Pacquesa' plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Most Popular Fuchsia 'Pacquesa'

Fuchsia 'Pacquesa' is a beautiful, free flowering shrub known for its elegant pendant blooms in soft pink and purple tones. This hardy plant thrives...

From$19.95
fuchsia-ernestine-
Most Popular Fuchsia 'Ernestine'

Fuchsia 'Ernestine' is a charming, free flowering shrub known for its elegant pendant blooms in soft pink and purple tones. This hardy plant thrives...

CUSTOM QUOTE
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Most Popular Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$37.19
A Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum) specimen tree in autumn with dark red foliage.
Most Popular Liquidambar styraciflua

Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as Sweet Gum or American Sweetgum, is a popular ornamental tree due to its brilliant autumn colours. It...

From$376.90
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Most Popular Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
fagus-sylvatica-purpurea-1
Most Popular Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
A Cornus kousa 'Satomi' specimen tree with masses of elegant pink flowers.
Most Popular Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' is a small and popular, deciduous tree that features masses of large and showy, pink flowers in spring, which are followed by...

From$279.95
Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Fuchsia or Deciduous Trees. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like fuchsia tree nz, and fuchsia excorticata for sale nz.

Search Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia)

Growing Fuchsia excorticata NZ

Fuchsia excorticata thrives in moist, fertile soils and prefers dappled or partial shade, mimicking its natural habitat beneath the forest canopy. Although it tolerates light frosts, it flourishes best with some shelter from harsh coastal winds and intense midday sun. Proper watering, especially in dry periods, and an annual layer of mulch help ensure vigorous growth and a stunning flower display. Pruning is rarely required but can be performed to maintain shape and remove any old or damaged branches, helping your Tree Fuchsia retain its elegant structure.

Features and Uses in the Garden

One of the standout features of Fuchsia excorticata NZ is its distinctive peeling bark, which adds ornamental appeal through all seasons. In spring and early summer, striking flowers attract small native birds, which feed on the nectar—making this an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly planting. Plant alongside other shade-loving natives for a naturalistic look, or as a specimen tree in larger gardens for dramatic effect. The edible berries are sometimes used in jams, adding a bush food aspect to this versatile tree.

Companions and Related Plants

Fuchsia excorticata pairs beautifully with other native and exotic fuchsias, such as Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia). For those who love the colour and charm of fuchsias, consider adding shrub varieties like Fuchsia 'Electric Lights', Fuchsia 'Carn Brea', Fuchsia 'La Campanella', or Fuchsia 'Brookwood Belle' to create varied height and texture throughout your garden. If you seek to contrast Tree Fuchsia's bold look with trees of different forms, Acer 'Earthfire', Pittosporum Screenmaster, Fraxinus excelsior aurea, Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai), and Magnolia denudata are all excellent partners that thrive in similar conditions.

Why Choose Fuchsia excorticata NZ

Fuchsia excorticata stands out as one of New Zealand’s most iconic native trees, combining effortless beauty with hardy performance and significant ecological value. Ideal for both urban gardens and revegetation projects, it supports local biodiversity and brings a touch of wild NZ to your home landscape. If you are seeking an adaptable, eye-catching, and truly New Zealand tree, Fuchsia excorticata NZ deserves a place in your garden design.


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.

Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Fraxinus 'Green Glow', Camellia 'Black Tie', and Olive 'El Greco'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews