Metrosideros excelsa – New Zealand Christmas Tree (Pōhutukawa)

What are the landscape uses for the Pohutukawa Metrosideros excelsa?

Metrosideros excelsa (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. In larger gardens, it provides excellent shade due to its wide, spreading branches, while smaller or dwarf forms like 'Tahiti' are perfect for containers, courtyards, and compact gardens. 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 care

Metrosideros excelsa 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 hedge

Metrosideros excelsa 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 fruit description

The Metrosideros excelsa fruit is a small, dry capsule that forms after the tree finishes flowering. Inside the capsule are numerous tiny seeds, which are dispersed by the wind when the capsule splits open. These fruits are not showy or fleshy, and are typically brown and woody in texture. Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas tree, primarily draws attention for its brilliant red flowers rather than its fruit. The fruit plays an important ecological role, helping the tree spread naturally along coastal areas where it typically grows.

What is the Metrosideros excelsa dwarf variety?

In New Zealand, the most popular dwarf variety of Metrosideros excelsa is called Metrosideros excelsa 'Tahiti'. 'Tahiti' is a compact, slow-growing form that typically reaches about 1.5 to 2 metres high and wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens, pots, or coastal landscapes. It produces clusters of bright red flowers, much like the full-sized Pōhutukawa, but tends to flower more frequently throughout the year, not just in summer. The foliage is dense and silvery-green, and the plant is highly salt- and wind-tolerant, just like the standard species.

Description of the Metrosideros excelsa leaves

The leaves of Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) are thick, leathery, and oval-shaped, typically measuring 5-10 cm long. They have a dark green upper surface with a slight sheen and a silvery-grey, fuzzy underside due to fine hairs. The leaf edges are smooth (entire), and the texture is quite tough, helping the plant withstand strong coastal winds and salt spray. New growth often appears with a reddish or bronze tint before maturing to green. These leaves not only give Pōhutukawa its rugged resilience but also contribute to its iconic, shimmering appearance, especially when the wind lifts the silvery undersides.

Metrosideros excelsa for sale

The Plant Company has the best Metrosideros excelsa 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 growth rate?

Metrosideros excelsa (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.