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nz native trees pohutukawa

The iconic pohutukawa is one of the most recognisable NZ native trees, celebrated for its vibrant crimson blooms and rugged coastal resilience. When people search for "NZ native trees pohutukawa", they’re often looking to bring a slice of Aotearoa’s wild beauty into their gardens or to understand more about this wonderful species. Known affectionately as the New Zealand Christmas tree, pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) offers both stunning aesthetics and exceptional hardiness, making it a favourite for coastal plantings, shelter belts, and feature trees across the country.

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

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

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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.

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.

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
Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper' red and green foliage.

Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper'

Metrosideros ‘Kawa Copper’ is a distinctive New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar prized for its rich copper toned new growth, glossy evergreen...

From$28.28
Metrosideros 'Maungapiko' specimen tree covered in red flowers.

Metrosideros 'Maungapiko'

Metrosideros ‘Maungapiko’ is a compact New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar valued for its dense habit, glossy green foliage, and vivid red summer...

From$272.12
Metrosideros 'Moonlight' green and yellow variegated foliage.

Metrosideros 'Moonlight'

Metrosideros ‘Moonlight’ is an elegant New Zealand native pohutukawa selection admired for its creamy white flowers and glossy evergreen foliage...

From$28.28
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$28.28
Metrosideros 'Spring Fire' trees  for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Metrosideros 'Spring Fire'

Metrosideros ‘Spring Fire’ is a compact and highly floriferous New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar valued for its brilliant red spring flowers and...

From$29.63
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...

From$358.98
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...

From$453.48
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...

From$18.83
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...

From$97.13
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 Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02
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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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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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...

From$457.29
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...

From$28.28
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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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...

From$358.98
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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sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
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...

From$329.63
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.

Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$457.29
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
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...

From$63.38

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...

From$24.23
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
magnolia-deryk-2

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...

From$343.89
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Carpodetus, Cedrela, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Dysoxylum, Hoheria, Knightia, Laurelia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Prumnopitys, Sequoiadendron, Sophora Sorbus and Vitex, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

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Why Choose Pohutukawa as Your NZ Native Tree

Pohutukawa boasts spectacular summer flowers, glossy green leaves, and a striking, sprawling form that plays a vital role in stabilising fragile coastal landscapes. As a true Kiwi native, this tree’s deep roots help bind the soil on cliffs and dune environments, protecting our precious coastlines. Whether you’re planting for environmental restoration or adding native drama to your garden, pohutukawa’s ability to thrive in tough conditions stands out among NZ native trees.

Pohutukawa isn’t just a beautiful statement piece. These trees attract native birds like tūī and bellbirds, supporting local biodiversity. Their nectar-rich flowers provide essential food sources when few other trees are blooming. If you’re seeking a tree that combines iconic good looks with ecological benefits, Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) stands as an excellent choice.

Featured Pohutukawa Varieties

While the classic pohutukawa is beloved, there are some unique cultivars and closely related species that bring extra interest to any planting.

Planting and Care Tips for NZ Native Trees Pohutukawa

Pohutukawa is renowned for handling wind, salt spray, and poor soils—making it particularly well suited to exposed or coastal sites. For best results, plant in full sun and free-draining soil. Water young trees regularly as they establish, then let their natural resilience take over. Pruning is rarely needed but can help shape young trees or remove storm damage.

Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and keep competing weeds at bay. While pohutukawa is drought-tolerant once mature, it appreciates a little extra care during its first year, so keep an eye out during dry spells.

Celebrate NZ’s Heritage with Pohutukawa

Planting NZ native trees pohutukawa isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about celebrating our national heritage. From home gardens to restoration projects, pohutukawa brings a burst of native vitality and helps safeguard our natural environments for future generations. Explore the range of pohutukawa varieties, including Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa), Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa), and more, to find the perfect fit for your landscape.


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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.

There’s more to explore beyond Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green' — like the subtle beauty of Boysenberry 'Berry Delight', Liriope 'Evergreen Giant', and Cornus 'Cherokee Princess'.
–The Plant Company

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