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nz native christmas tree

Searching for the iconic NZ native Christmas tree? In New Zealand, the crown for this role goes to the stunning [Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)](/shop/product/trees/metrosideros-excelsa). Known for its blazing red flowers each summer, the pōhutukawa is woven into the heart of our Kiwi Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re admiring its vibrant canopies along the coastline or considering planting one in your own backyard, the pōhutukawa stands as a beautiful symbol of the festive season and our unique flora. Discover why this captivating native tree has become an enduring part of New Zealand’s landscape and culture.

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

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

5 from 1 customers

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.

From $24.15

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
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

5 from 2 customers

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and glossy green leaves. This upright, evergreen tree grows 6–10 metres tall, making it ideal for feature planting, coastal gardens, and urban landscapes.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Native
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

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A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

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Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

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Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

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A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

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Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

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Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as Karaka, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large and glossy, green leaves. The lush foliage is...

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carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

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Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

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Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

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Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

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Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

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Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

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A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

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Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

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Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

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A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

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Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

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Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

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Kunzea ericoides (Kanuka) shrub in full flower.
Kunzea ericoides

Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release a pleasant fragrance...

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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

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Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

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Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

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A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

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pieris-christmas-cheer-6
Pieris 'Christmas Cheer'

Pieris 'Christmas Cheer' is a highly regarded evergreen shrub known for its masses of pink flower buds that open to elegant white bell shaped blooms...

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ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

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PB95 Planter Bags (Growing Bags Near Me)

These PB95 planter bags are 240 microns thick and each bag holds 50 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Carpodetus, and Corynocarpus, or related Categories - Evergreen Trees.

Search nz native christmas tree

Why the Pōhutukawa is the NZ Native Christmas Tree

What gives the pōhutukawa its title as the NZ native Christmas tree is its spectacular flowering right in time for the holidays. From November to January, these majestic trees burst into fiery shades of crimson and scarlet. Coastal roads, parks, and gardens come alive with colour, marking the arrival of the festive season for many Kiwi families.

Hardy and salt-tolerant, Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) thrives in New Zealand’s challenging coastal conditions. With its gnarled branches and silvery-green foliage, this tree not only provides summer shade and shelter for wildlife but also forms a living connection to our natural heritage.

Choose Your NZ Native Christmas Tree Variety

While the classic pōhutukawa is famous, there are fantastic cultivated forms worth considering for gardens of all sizes. The beautiful Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' offers a refined and upright growth habit with the same dazzling flower display. Suitable for urban courtyards or as a feature specimen, ‘Maori Princess’ is celebrated for its resilience and adaptability.

If you’re inspired to enhance your garden with other New Zealand natives alongside your Christmas tree, consider planting companions like Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany), prized for its glossy leaves and fragrant blooms, Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) for its elegant, feathery foliage, or Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire), loved for its unique shape and rarity.

Planting and Caring for Your NZ Native Christmas Tree

Establishing a pōhutukawa or one of its cultivars in your garden is straightforward—and rewarding. These trees appreciate full sun and well-drained soil. Young plants benefit from regular watering in their first summers. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance.

If coastal gardening is your focus, the pōhutukawa’s wind and salt resistance make it an ideal choice. It also supports biodiversity, attracting native birds and pollinators—a wonderful way to give back to the environment during the season of giving.

Celebrate the Season with a Native Touch

No tree better captures the Kiwi spirit of Christmas than the pōhutukawa. Whether planting the traditional Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) or a contemporary variety like Metrosideros 'Maori Princess', you’re adding beauty, heritage, and ecological value to your landscape. Explore our range of NZ native trees today and make this year’s Christmas truly special—naturally.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Start your garden with Rose 'Flower Carpet White' and Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Peperomia Burgundy, Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura, and Sophora chathamica.
–The Plant Company

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