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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)

5 from 2 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 $30.29

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 3 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
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...

From$30.29
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$30.29
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$30.29
Metrosideros 'Dalese' lush green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Dalese'

Metrosideros ‘Dalese’ is an attractive New Zealand native pohutukawa selection valued for its compact habit, glossy evergreen foliage, and vibrant...

From$30.29
rhododendron-christmas-cheer-
Rhododendron 'Christmas Cheer'

Rhododendron 'Christmas Cheer' is a highly prized evergreen shrub renowned for its masses of soft pink flowers that appear from late winter into...

From$28.91
Metrosideros 'Mistral' specimen tree with colourful red flowers above olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Mistral'

Metrosideros ‘Mistral’ is a compact New Zealand native pohutukawa selection valued for its dense habit, glossy evergreen foliage, and vivid red...

From$255.51
Pieris 'Christmas Cheer' plants for sale.
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...

From$26.95
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$255.51
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...

From$323.65
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...

From$270.40
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...

From$323.65
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
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...

From$270.40
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...

From$16.50
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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...

From$387.55
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
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...

From$270.40
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

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

From$65.55
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$323.65
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$323.65
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Ginkgo Ming Princess small tree.
Ginkgo 'Ming Princess'

Ginkgo 'Ming Princess' is a compact, ornamental form of the ancient ginkgo tree, valued for its fan shaped leaves and brilliant golden yellow autumn...

From$270.40
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$28.91
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...

From$270.40
magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

From$515.35
Michelia 'Paton Pink' flowers on a stem.
Michelia 'Paton Pink'

Michelia 'Paton Pink' is a stunning evergreen tree known for its profusion of fragrant, blush pink flowers in early spring. The blossoms appear among...

From$387.55
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$515.35
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$99.29
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$270.40
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Metrosideros, Pieris, and Rhododendron, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search pohutukawa nz christmas tree

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Garden icons like Lomandra Frosty Tops and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black', Betula platyphylla Japonica, and Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme).
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