titoki nz

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Titoki NZ, known botanically as Alectryon excelsus, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native trees, admired for its lush, glossy foliage and striking red seed capsules. The Titoki tree is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to create a native garden, shelterbelt, or a feature tree that brings year-round interest and a touch of Aotearoa to their landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or starting out, understanding the unique appeal and care of Titoki NZ will help your garden flourish.

Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing 6–10 metres tall, it makes an excellent shade or specimen tree in both urban and rural settings. Titoki is wind-tolerant, frost-hardy in most areas, and well-suited to coastal conditions. Its inconspicuous flowers are followed by striking red and black fruit, which attracts native birds and adds seasonal interest to New Zealand gardens and landscapes.

Buy Alectryon excelsus

From $70.13

A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.

Suited to regions:
Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:
Trees
Height:
8.00 m
Spread:
3.00 m
Flowering time:
Summer
Tolerances:
Shade, Wind
Garden uses:
Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles:
Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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What Makes the Titoki Tree Unique?

Alectryon excelsus boasts bright green, leathery leaves that add a rich texture to gardens. In spring, the Titoki produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers followed by stunning bright red fruit encasing shiny black seeds. These seed pods are a delight for native birds, such as kereru and tui, adding an element of wildlife-friendly gardening to your space. As a medium-sized tree, Titoki NZ typically reaches 8–10 metres but can be easily pruned to suit smaller gardens.

Growing Conditions and Care

Titoki NZ is well suited to many parts of New Zealand. It prefers well-draining soil and thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade. This reliable tree tolerates urban settings, coastal conditions, and drought once established, making it a popular choice for sustainable landscaping. When planting Titoki, add organic mulch to conserve moisture and provide nutrients during the establishment phase.

Pruning is rarely needed, but occasional shaping encourages a more compact habit. Young seedlings benefit from a little shelter, but mature Titoki trees develop a sturdy, wind-resistant structure. Pest and disease problems are minimal, contributing to their reputation as a low-maintenance native option.

Landscape Uses for Titoki NZ

Titoki NZ offers versatility for a wide range of gardens. Use it as a specimen tree to create a focal point, or mass plant along boundaries for a dense, evergreen screen that offers privacy and shelter. Its lush appearance allows it to pair beautifully with exotic and native species alike. You might combine Titoki with trees like Michelia Princess Isabella for spring fragrance or Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii for dramatic foliage contrast.

For gardeners seeking spring-flowering companions, Styrax japonica makes an elegant border planting, while Pyrus 'Kea' offers both ornamental blossoms and autumn foliage. Adding Acer 'Shidava Gold' brings vivid seasonal colour, enhancing the deep greens of Titoki throughout the year.

Why Choose Titoki for Your New Zealand Garden?

Titoki NZ is valued for its resilience, easy care, and bird-attracting qualities. As native planting becomes increasingly popular, the Titoki tree remains a top choice for those wanting a uniquely New Zealand landscape. From home gardens to lifestyle blocks and urban reserves, the Titoki enhances biodiversity, supports local birdlife, and stands as a leafy testament to New Zealand’s natural heritage. Consider adding Titoki NZ to your plant list for a robust, attractive solution that flourishes in Kiwi conditions.

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.