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nz rata tree

The iconic NZ rata tree is one of Aotearoa’s true botanical treasures, boasting vibrant flowering displays and remarkable versatility in gardens and landscapes across New Zealand. With its fiery red blooms and lush green foliage, the NZ rata tree not only adds dramatic colour and native character, but also attracts birds and pollinators, contributing to a thriving natural ecosystem in your own backyard. Whether you’re seeking a standout specimen for your native garden, a hardy shelter tree, or a feature plant that shines year after year, the NZ rata tree is a stunning and resilient choice.

A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.

Metrosideros robusta

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Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large, spreading canopy. Typically found in coastal and lowland forests, it can grow up to 25 metres tall with a broad, rounded form.

From $323.65

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Screening
Garden styles: Coastal, Native
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.

Metrosideros carminea

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Metrosideros carminea, commonly known as Climbing Rata or Crimson Rata Vine, is a striking New Zealand native valued for its vivid red flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. This vigorous climber can reach 3–6 metres with support and is ideal for covering fences, trellises, or tree trunks.

From $26.15

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Walls
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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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A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

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Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
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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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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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Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.
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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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A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
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A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
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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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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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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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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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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...

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Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
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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 Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
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Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

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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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A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
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Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red 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...

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An Acer buergerianum specimen tree.
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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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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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Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
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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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Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
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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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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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Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
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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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Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
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A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
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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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An avenue of Prunus 'Pink Perfection' trees with pink blossoms.
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Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

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Metrosideros robusta

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 Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search nz rata tree

What Is the NZ Rata Tree?

The term "NZ rata tree" usually refers to striking Metrosideros species that are native to New Zealand. Most notably, the Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) and Metrosideros carminea (Crimson Rata Vine/Shrub) are beloved for their clusters of bright red flowers and adaptability to a range of conditions. These trees can grow as epiphytes at first, later rooting down to become tall, buttressed giants in mature forests, and are equally at home as specimen trees in urban gardens.

Northern rata is renowned for its longevity and size, eventually reaching up to 25 metres given the right conditions. In contrast, Crimson Rata offers versatility as a smaller shrub or climbing vine, suitable for compact spaces and container planting—making it a fantastic option for a variety of garden designs.

Growing and Caring for NZ Rata Trees

NZ rata trees thrive throughout most parts of New Zealand, with a preference for coastal or lowland sites. They flourish in well-drained soils and sunny or partially shaded spots, tolerating light frost once established. Plant your NZ rata tree in a sheltered location to protect it from the harshest winds and dry periods during its first few years.

Regular mulching and occasional watering during long dry spells will help young plants establish strong root systems. Pruning is rarely needed, but can be done to shape your tree or keep it compact. These trees are generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant, making them an excellent option for both novice and experienced gardeners.

NZ Rata Tree for Biodiversity and Landscaping

One of the best reasons to plant an NZ rata tree is its value as a habitat for native birds and pollinators. When in flower, their nectar-rich blooms are especially attractive to tui and bellbirds, bringing the sounds of New Zealand wildlife right into your garden. As a feature specimen, rata trees offer bold colour and textural contrast in native gardens and mixed plantings.

If you’re creating a native plant collection, consider pairing your NZ rata tree with other NZ natives like Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai) for golden spring blooms or Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) for lush, deep-green foliage and forest structure. For a different contrast, mix rata with exotics such as Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ) to extend the seasonal interest in your landscape.

Find Your Perfect NZ Rata Tree

Ready to add an NZ rata tree to your garden? Explore top-quality specimens like Metrosideros robusta and Metrosideros carminea from our nursery selection. With careful planting and a little patience, you’ll enjoy these spectacular trees for generations—and help support the unique biodiversity that makes New Zealand gardens so special.

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.

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