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types of pohutukawa trees

Pōhutukawa trees are iconic in New Zealand, celebrated for their vibrant crimson flowers and their resilience in coastal environments. There are several types of pohutukawa trees, each with unique characteristics suited for different garden styles and purposes. If you’re planning to add this classic New Zealand native to your landscape, it helps to understand the various cultivars and natural varieties available. This guide explores some of the most popular types of pohutukawa trees, highlighting their features and best uses 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: 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
A Metrosideros 'Tahiti' shrub about 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide with red flowers and lush foliage.

Metrosideros 'Tahiti'

5 from 9 customers

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.

From $57.89

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.10 m
Spread: 1.10 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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 '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
podocarpus-henkelii-1
Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii (Henkel Yellowwood) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping foliage, stately form, and year round appeal...

From$270.40
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
callistemon-viminalis-1
Callistemon viminalis

Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its pendulous branches and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers...

From$27.53
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$37.19
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
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
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
acacia-howittii-
Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle)

Acacia howittii, commonly known as Sticky Wattle, is an attractive evergreen tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, fine green foliage, and...

From$349.95
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
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$269.95
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
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
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
Acer 'Jeffersred' trees with red foliage in a street planting.
Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred'

Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' is a striking deciduous maple valued for its strong upright form and outstanding autumn colour. This fast growing tree...

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
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.
Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$165.51
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
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
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
acer-nigrum-
Acer platanoides 'Nigrum'

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly...

From$299.95
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange and yellow foliage.
Acer saccharinum

Acer saccharinum, commonly known as the Silver Maple, is a deciduous tree that is grown for its tidy form and colourful autumn foliage. The lush and...

From$299.95
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
quercus-canariensis-2
Quercus canariensis

Quercus canariensis is a magnificent deciduous oak admired for its broad spreading canopy, lush green foliage, and impressive golden brown autumn...

From$279.95
metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3
Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, elegant pyramidal shape, and...

From$387.55
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$23.39
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
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
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

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

Search types of pohutukawa trees

The Classic Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

The most well-known of all types of pohutukawa trees is Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa). This classic tree can reach heights of up to 20 metres, developing a broad, gnarled canopy with silvery-green leaves. In early summer, it bursts into a breathtaking show of red flowers, attracting native birds and pollinators. Perfect for coastal gardens and larger landscapes, this pohutukawa offers excellent shelter, wind resistance, and year-round beauty.

Variegated Pohutukawa Options

Gardeners intrigued by unique foliage may enjoy the Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa). This special variety displays green leaves edged with creamy-white, adding visual interest even outside of its flowering season. It stays more compact than the traditional Pōhutukawa and is well-suited for smaller gardens, pots, or as an eye-catching specimen tree.

Compact and Upright Forms: 'Maori Princess' and 'Spring Fire'

When you want the beauty of pohutukawa in a smaller area or an urban setting, consider more compact or upright varieties. Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a popular pick, cultivated for its strong, upright growth and dense, glossy foliage. It flowers prolifically in summer, showing vibrant red to crimson blooms. This type is ideal for street planting, feature trees, or as a windbreak in gardens with limited space.

Another striking cultivar is Metrosideros 'Spring Fire', valued for its early and extended flowering period. ‘Spring Fire’ is slightly smaller and denser than the species, producing masses of red-orange brushes that light up gardens from spring well into summer. Its compact growth means it fits neatly into contemporary gardens, coastal plantings, or as an attractive hedge.

Unique Regional Varieties: 'Maungapiko'

If you’re passionate about regional pohutukawa forms, Metrosideros 'Maungapiko' brings something distinctive to the table. Developed from a naturally occurring Northland pohutukawa, this variety is admired for its unique growth habit and lush, dark green leaves. It makes an excellent choice for gardeners seeking something a little different while retaining the classic qualities that make pohutukawa so beloved.

Choosing the Right Pohutukawa for Your Garden

From dramatic, spreading canopy trees to compact specimens ideal for pots and coastal gardens, there are types of pohutukawa trees to suit virtually any landscape. Whether you favour the traditional Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) or ornamental selections like Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa), these native treasures bring colour, biodiversity, and timeless appeal to New Zealand gardens.

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Illustration of plant leaves.
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–The Plant Company

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