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pohutukawa tree nz

If you’re searching for the perfect coastal native, the pohutukawa tree NZ is famous for, you’re in the right place. Celebrated as the “New Zealand Christmas tree”, the pōhutukawa bursts into fiery red bloom every summer, lining beaches and clifftops with colour and attracting native wildlife. Whether you’re interested in planting this iconic tree in your own garden, or simply want to know more about its uses and care, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the pohutukawa tree NZ.

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.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 11.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, 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 foliage, and compact growth habit. The colourful foliage provides strong year round interest, with red flowers appearing as plants mature.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.50 m
Spread: 3.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
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$323.65
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
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$30.29
A Metrosideros 'Tahiti' shrub about 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide with red flowers and lush foliage.
Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

Metrosideros 'Tahiti', commonly known as Dwarf Pohutukawa, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red flowers and silver-green foliage...

From$57.89
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
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...

From$298.09
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
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
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
Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) trees for sale at The Plant Company.
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$71.69
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$408.85
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
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
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
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
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
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$309.51
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
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
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
An Acer buergerianum specimen tree.
Acer buergerianum

Acer buergerianum, commonly known as the Trident Maple, is a striking deciduous tree admired for its distinctive three-lobed leaves and brilliant...

From$299.95
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
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
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
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$270.40
cloth-tree-tie-
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...

From$9.28
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
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
An avenue of Prunus 'Pink Perfection' trees with pink blossoms.
Prunus 'Pink Perfection'

Prunus 'Pink Perfection' is a stunning flowering cherry celebrated for its profusion of double pink blossoms in spring. This deciduous tree brings...

From$399.95
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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Why Choose the Pohutukawa Tree in NZ Gardens?

Pohutukawa is more than just a symbol of summer in NZ—it’s versatile, resilient, and brings a sense of coastal charm to any landscape. As a wind-tolerant, salt-resistant species, it thrives in exposed seaside spots, making it an ideal choice for those tricky areas where other trees might struggle. Its dense evergreen foliage provides shelter and privacy year-round, while the crimson blooms offer outstanding visual impact. If you’d like to add a true native classic to your patch, the Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) is the original and most widely recognised species.

Different Types of Pohutukawa Trees Available in NZ

While the classic pōhutukawa is beloved throughout the country, gardeners now have an exciting range of related varieties to choose from. For smaller spaces, consider compact cultivars and variegated forms; these share the gorgeous colour but fit urban or sheltered gardens beautifully. For example, Metrosideros 'Spring Fire' lights up the landscape with intense orange-red flowers, while the Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa) stands out with stunning cream-edged foliage. Shrub forms like Metrosideros 'Mistral' and Metrosideros 'Dalese' are excellent for container planting, hedging, or mass landscaping where a full-sized tree isn’t practical.

Planting and Caring for Your NZ Pohutukawa Tree

The pohutukawa tree NZ is famously hardy but appreciates a sunny, well-drained position. While established trees withstand wind and drought, young trees benefit from shelter and regular watering as they settle in. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In especially windy sites, staking can help keep young pohutukawa straight and secure until their roots are well-established. Minimal pruning is required, but you can tidy after flowering if needed.

Celebrating a Kiwi Icon in Your Landscape

There’s nothing quite like the pohutukawa tree NZ has to offer. Its striking summer display, environmental resilience, and value to native wildlife make it a must-have for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. Explore our collection for your perfect match, from the classic Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) to bushier shrubs and colourful variegations. Whatever your garden style, there’s a pohutukawa for you—ready to bring a slice of New Zealand’s classic beauty right to your backyard.

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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.

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