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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. 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.

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 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. In summer, it produces vibrant red flowers that attract native birds and add spectacular colour to the garden. Hardy and evergreen, this variety performs well in a wide range of conditions, including coastal sites. Its unique foliage and seasonal blooms make it a standout choice for NZ gardens.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, 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$255.51
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
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
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
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$41.33
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$589.90
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35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

From$8.93
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
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
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
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
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
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...

From$19.25
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$376.90
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$28.91
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$28.91
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
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
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
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
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
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
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Metrosideros, and Sorbus, or related Categories - Plant Guards, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous 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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