Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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pohutukawa nz christmas tree

The pohutukawa NZ Christmas tree holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders, marking the arrival of summer and the festive season with spectacular displays of vibrant red blooms. Known as Metrosideros excelsa, this iconic native tree is celebrated as the “New Zealand Christmas tree” for its tendency to flower in December, providing a stunning natural decoration across coastal landscapes. Whether you’re seeking to plant a specimen in your garden or simply want to learn more about its cultural significance, the pohutukawa is both a practical and symbolic choice for local gardeners. Its resilience, beauty, and ecological value make it an ideal addition to landscaping projects and a perfect feature for festive celebrations.

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

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 glossy green leaves. This upright, evergreen tree grows 6–10 metres tall, making it ideal for feature planting, coastal gardens, and urban landscapes. Flowering from early summer, it attracts birds and pollinators while providing year-round structure. Hardy and low-maintenance, 'Maori Princess' thrives in full sun, tolerates wind and salt spray, and suits a wide range of NZ conditions.

Buy Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

From $28.28

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

Why the Pohutukawa is New Zealand’s Christmas Tree

The pohutukawa’s festive red blossoms make it the unmistakable NZ Christmas tree. Flowering in late spring and early summer, this tree’s dramatic display brings a splash of colour to beaches, parks, and urban gardens throughout New Zealand. The pohutukawa is also celebrated in Māori legend and Kiwi tradition, representing strength and endurance—qualities valued during the holiday season. If you’re looking to plant a pohutukawa NZ Christmas tree, you’ll be adding a living symbol of Kiwi summer to your outdoor space.

Growing the Pohutukawa NZ Christmas Tree in Your Garden

The pohutukawa NZ Christmas tree thrives in coastal gardens, but it’s versatile enough for urban and rural locations. With tolerances for wind and salt spray, this evergreen tree is often used for shelter and erosion control. For best results, plant your pohutukawa in well-drained soil and give it plenty of sunlight. It can grow to impressive heights, so consider the tree’s mature size when choosing a spot. To start your own journey with this classic tree, consider Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) for a true representation of the species.

Unique Pohutukawa Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Gardeners now have several beautiful variations to choose from if they want something slightly different from the classic pohutukawa NZ Christmas tree. Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' offers refined foliage and a compact shape, perfect for smaller gardens. For a touch of contrast, Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa) impresses with silver-edged leaves and charming red flowers. Another exceptional selection is Metrosideros 'Moonlight', which brings creamy white blooms and robust growth to your festive displays.

Complementary Plants for Festive Colour

To create a real Christmas theme in your garden, combine your pohutukawa NZ Christmas tree with other vibrant flowering shrubs. The Rhododendron Christmas Cheer, for example, brings cheerful pink blooms to the holiday palette and pairs beautifully with the pohutukawa’s bold reds.

Embrace the Spirit of Summer and Christmas

The pohutukawa NZ Christmas tree is not only a botanical wonder but also a symbol of Kiwi identity and festive spirit. With a range of varieties and complementary plants available, it’s easy to create a breathtaking holiday garden. Explore options like Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) and unique cultivars to bring your outdoor space to life this Christmas.

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.