Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Metrosideros perforata (Akatea, White Climbing Rata)

Metrosideros perforata, known as Akatea or White Climbing Rātā, is a native New Zealand vine admired for its clusters of white, star-shaped flowers and glossy green foliage. This vigorous climber can reach 6–10 metres when supported, making it ideal for covering fences, trellises, or climbing up trees. Flowering from late spring to summer, it attracts birds and insects. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil in sheltered, frost-free locations.

Metrosideros perforata (Akatea, White Climbing Rata) plant with masses of white flowers.
Metrosideros perforata plant with green foliage and masses of white flowers.
Metrosideros perforata plant with green foliage.

Metrosideros perforata is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Metrosideros available.

explore them here

Notify me when this is available:
Please enter your email address below if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Shrubs
Height:1.00 m
Spread:1.00 m
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses:Arches, Borders, Hedging, Paths & Steps, Walls
Garden styles:Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku10476

Growing Metrosideros perforata Successfully in NZ

Plant Metrosideros perforata in a sunny to partially shaded position with well-drained soil. Choose a sheltered site, especially in cooler areas, to protect it from heavy frost. Train it on a trellis, fence, or natural support such as a tree. Water regularly while establishing and mulch annually to retain moisture. Feed with a native or low-phosphorus fertiliser in spring. Light pruning after flowering helps manage its spread and promotes dense growth.

Metrosideros perforata Care Tips

Metrosideros perforata grows best in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment and apply mulch to conserve moisture. Prune after flowering to control its spread, and protect young plants from frost.

Plant Size and Spacing

Metrosideros perforata can grow 6–10 metres high when supported, with a spread of 2–3 metres. Space plants 1.5–2 metres apart if planting along a fence or trellis, allowing room for upward and outward growth.

Why Buy Metrosideros perforata from The Plant Company

The Plant Company offers premium NZ-grown Metrosideros perforata plants, carefully selected for strong establishment and healthy growth. This vigorous native climber is perfect for adding vertical interest, native biodiversity, and soft white flowers to your landscape. With expert advice, fast nationwide delivery, and free shipping on larger orders, The Plant Company is your reliable source for vibrant, garden-ready Akatea plants.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Metrosideros perforata? We are here to help.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Most Popular

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...

From$26.93
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Most Popular

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...

From$28.28
Metrosideros Vibrance red flowers amidst lush foliage on a mature tree.
Most Popular

Metrosideros 'Vibrance'

Metrosideros 'Vibrance' is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its vivid red flowers and dense, silver-green foliage. Typically growing to 4-5...

From$29.63
A Metrosideros 'Tahiti' shrub about 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide with red flowers and lush foliage.
Most Popular

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$28.28
Nandina 'Gulf Stream' plants with yellow-green foliage.
Most Popular

Nandina Gulf Stream

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth is bronze with orange tints and develops colours...

From$24.23
Rhododendron fastuosum flore pleno shrub with purple flowers.
Most Popular

Rhododendron Fastuosum 'Flore Pleno'

Rhododendron fastuosum 'Flore Pleno' is an exquisite evergreen shrub admired for its dense trusses of double lavender-purple blooms. Flowering in...

From$28.28
duranta-geisha-girl-
Most Popular

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
pittosporum-frankies-folly-
Most Popular

Pittosporum Frankies Folly (Dwarf Pittosporum Frankies Folly)

Pittosporum Frankies Folly is a dwarf variety that carries glossy, lime green leaves held on short stems as it grows densely to 60 cm tall and the...

From$25.58
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews