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pohutukawa tree varieties

The iconic pohutukawa tree, often called the New Zealand Christmas tree, is known for its vibrant red blooms and resilience along coastal landscapes. Gardeners throughout New Zealand are discovering the beauty and diversity found within different pohutukawa tree varieties. Whether you have a large property or a compact urban garden, there’s a pohutukawa suited to your needs. Below, we explore the best-known pohutukawa tree varieties, from classic to contemporary hybrids, to help you select the perfect addition to your outdoor space.

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.

Buy Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

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

Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

Metrosideros 'Tahiti', commonly known as Dwarf Pohutukawa, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red flowers and silver-green foliage. Growing to around 1 metre tall and wide, it’s perfect for coastal gardens, pots, borders, and low hedges.

Buy Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

From $28.91

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Why Choose Different Pohutukawa Tree Varieties?

Pohutukawa tree varieties offer more than just visual interest. Each variety has unique characteristics, such as growth habit, leaf colour, flower shade, and tolerance to environmental conditions. By selecting the right pohutukawa, you can achieve year-round greenery, attract native birds, and create stunning coastal or urban landscapes that are both low-maintenance and resilient.

Popular Pohutukawa Tree Varieties in New Zealand

Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

For gardeners seeking something unique, Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa) stands out with its lush green and cream foliage. This compact variety thrives in coastal settings and brings all the pohutukawa charm with a smaller stature and interesting variegation, making it ideal for pots, screening, or feature planting.

Metrosideros 'Spring Fire'

One of the modern favourites, Metrosideros 'Spring Fire', lights up spring gardens with masses of fiery orange-red blooms. 'Spring Fire' is compact and dense, making it perfect for hedging or as a standout specimen in smaller spaces. Its prolific flowering attracts native birds, adding life and movement to your garden.

Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper'

If unique foliage is your focus, consider Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper'. This eye-catching pohutukawa variety features coppery-bronze new growth, maturing to glossy green. The colourful foliage provides year-round interest, while its hardiness makes it suitable for tough coastal or exposed garden positions.

Metrosideros 'Dalese'

Metrosideros 'Dalese' is a stunning, more shrubby variety, prized for its lush leaves and clusters of crimson flowers. It’s ideal for adding texture in mixed shrub borders or for growing as a low screen. 'Dalese' is tolerant of wind and salt, making it a practical choice for exposed spots.

Metrosideros 'Mistral'

With upright branching and silvery-green foliage, Metrosideros 'Mistral' is perfect for creating structure in your landscape. This compact pohutukawa variety produces beautiful bursts of red flowers, drawing tūī and bellbirds to your garden.

Growing and Caring for Pohutukawa

Most pohutukawa tree varieties prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and once established, are notably drought and wind tolerant. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages denser growth, especially in hedging varieties. Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and fertilise in early autumn for best results.

Find the Right Pohutukawa for Your Garden

From variegated foliage to fiery blooms, there are pohutukawa tree varieties for every garden style and size. Browse our selection and discover how these stunning New Zealand natives can transform your home landscape with seasonal colour and year-round interest.

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.

pohutukawa tree varieties

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

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Why Choose Different Pohutukawa Tree Varieties?

Popular Pohutukawa Tree Varieties in New Zealand