Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel

What are the landscape uses for Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel?

Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel (Pōhutukawa) is highly valued in landscaping for its coastal resilience, dramatic flowers, and spreading canopy. It is commonly used as a specimen tree to create a bold focal point in gardens, parks, and coastal reserves. Its ability to withstand salt spray and strong winds makes it ideal for coastal shelterbelts and erosion control on sandy or rocky soils. Pōhutukawa is also planted along roadways, beaches, and cliff edges for stabilisation and beautification. It is also popular in native and ecological restoration projects because it supports native wildlife, especially birds and insects during its flowering season.

Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel care

Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel is generally very easy to care for, thriving in New Zealand’s coastal and temperate climates. It prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil, though it can tolerate poor soils, clay, and even rocky ground. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant and also highly resistant to salt spray and strong winds, making it ideal for coastal planting. Regular watering is needed during its first couple of summers to help it establish, but after that, natural rainfall is usually enough. Pōhutukawa benefits from an occasional light trim if shaping is needed, preferably after flowering, though mature trees often need little to no pruning. It’s a good idea to mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk. Feeding is rarely necessary, but a general-purpose fertiliser in spring can encourage lush growth, especially for younger or potted plants.

How to grow a Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel hedge

Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel hedge spacing is generally 50 cm between the plants. If you want the hedge to fill in faster, you can shorten the spacing to 40 cm. However, going wider than 50 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in and this can cause frustration. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing the plants compete for light, and in doing so, they push each other upwards. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends a 40-50 cm spacing to achieve an amazing hedge. Start trimming the sides of hedge early so the hedge becomes denser and this makes it easier to control.

Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel for sale

The Plant Company has the best Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel trees for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your tree and plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What is the Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel growth rate?

Metrosideros excelsa Scarlet Pimpernel (Pōhutukawa) has a moderate to fast growth rate, depending on conditions. In an ideal environment (full sun, good drainage, and some shelter when young) it can grow around 30–50 cm per year. In coastal areas where it naturally thrives, it often establishes quickly, but growth can slow slightly once the tree matures. Pōhutukawa can eventually reach up to 20 metres tall and spread widely if left unpruned, though it usually takes several decades to reach its full size. Growth tends to be faster in warm, frost-free regions and slower in cooler or exposed inland areas.