Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' (Pohutukawa, NZ Christmas Tree)

What are the landscape uses for Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'?

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' (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 'Maori Princess' care

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and is highly tolerant of coastal conditions and wind. Water during establishment, mulch yearly, and feed in spring. Pruning is only needed to maintain its upright, tidy shape and to remove broken branches.

How to grow a Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' hedge

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' hedge spacing is generally 50 cm between the plants. If you want the hedge to fill in more quickly, you can reduce 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 a fantastic hedge. Start trimming the sides of the hedge early to make it denser, which in turn makes it easier to control.

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' for sale

The Plant Company has the best Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants, and our logistics team packs 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 'Maori Princess' growth rate?

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess’ has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically growing about 50–80 cm per year when planted in good conditions. It is a more vigorous cultivar of Metrosideros excelsa (pōhutukawa), often used where a quicker-growing, upright tree is needed. Over time, it can reach a height of around 5-8 metres and a width of about 3-5 metres, making it suitable for use as a feature tree, shelter, or coastal planting. Growth is strongest in full sun, with well-drained soil and regular watering during the establishment phase. Once established, it becomes very drought- and coastal-tolerant, and can handle wind and salt spray well.