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pohutukawa tree christchurch

Looking for a pohutukawa tree in Christchurch? It's no surprise—the iconic Metrosideros excelsa, often called the New Zealand Christmas tree, is renowned for its vivid red blooms and broad evergreen foliage. While native to coastal regions of the North Island, pohutukawa trees are increasingly sought after for gardens in Christchurch and across Canterbury. With careful selection and site preparation, you can create festive summer colour and attract native birds right in your garden.

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 '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
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
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
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 '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
podocarpus-gracilior-
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape...

From$270.40
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
crataegus-pauls-scarlet-5
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a magnificent deciduous flowering tree renowned for its masses of rich scarlet double flowers that cover the...

From$340.69
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
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
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
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
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Malus 'Echtermeyer'

Malus 'Echtermeyer' is a distinctive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, masses of pink spring blossoms, attractive...

From$515.35
fraxinus-griffithii-3
Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

From$35.81
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
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
acer-platanoides-4
Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
robinia-frisia-1
Robinia 'Frisia'

Robinia 'Frisia' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that provides vibrant colour from spring through autumn...

From$387.55
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Tree Fertiliser

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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$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
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$229.95
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
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

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
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
magnolia-denudata-gere-4
Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

Magnolia denudata 'Gere' is a magnificent deciduous tree celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

From$387.55
koelreuteria-paniculata-1
Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
azara-microphylla-2
Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

From$387.55
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$183.51
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Crataegus, Metrosideros, and Parrotia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search pohutukawa tree

The Beauty of Pohutukawa in Christchurch Gardens

Pohutukawa trees are admired for their resilience and striking appearance. When searching for a pohutukawa tree Christchurch gardeners need to consider the climate: while Christchurch’s winter frosts can be challenging, many Metrosideros varieties cope well in sheltered, sunny microclimates. Their rich blooms from November to January and tough, glossy leaves make them a focal point in landscaping, adding structure and seasonal drama to the garden.

Choosing the Best Pohutukawa Varieties

There are several cultivars and related species ideal for Christchurch. Our Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) offers classic red flowers and robust growth. For those seeking a slightly more frost-tolerant option or unique colour, Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' boasts larger leaves and deeper red blooms. If you love foliage interest, the Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa) brings cream-edged leaves for a striking effect.

How to Successfully Grow Pohutukawa in Christchurch

Getting a pohutukawa tree started in Christchurch requires a little extra care. Choose a north-facing, sheltered spot—ideally against a wall or fence to protect from winter chills. Well-drained soil is essential, and mulching helps retain warmth and moisture. While younger trees benefit from frost cloth in severe weather, established pohutukawa are impressively robust. Keep an eye out for frost pockets, and avoid waterlogged areas.

Explore Alternative Metrosideros for Canterbury Conditions

For those wanting reliable performance and vibrant colour, Metrosideros 'Spring Fire' and Metrosideros 'Mistral' are compact, hardy selections perfect for Christchurch’s changing seasons. These cultivars offer extended flowering periods and still attract nectar-loving birds—a worthy choice for enthusiasts.

Native Wildlife, Low Maintenance

One reason pohutukawa tree Christchurch residents love this species is its role in supporting native wildlife. Tui, bellbirds, and bees flock to the nectar-rich flowers. Once established, the trees need only minimal pruning and thrive with little intervention. Their salt and wind tolerance also make them suitable for coastal Canterbury gardens.

Find Your Perfect Pohutukawa Tree in Christchurch

Ready to add a pohutukawa tree to your Christchurch garden? Explore our full selection, including Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa), Metrosideros 'Maori Princess', Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa), Metrosideros 'Spring Fire', and Metrosideros 'Mistral'. With expert advice and top-quality plants, your Christchurch garden can celebrate the distinctive beauty of New Zealand’s beloved pōhutukawa.

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.
Gardeners love Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii', but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Metrosideros robusta, Azalea 'Blue Danube', and Cercis 'Oklahoma'.
–The Plant Company

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