Metrosideros umbellata – Southern Rātā Tree

What are the landscape uses for Metrosideros umbellata?

Metrosideros umbellata, commonly known as Southern Rātā, is highly valued in landscaping for its striking red flowers, dense foliage, and ability to withstand coastal and harsh conditions. It is often used as a feature tree in gardens or parks where its brilliant summer flowering can be showcased. Its tolerance to wind and salt makes it an excellent choice for coastal planting and shelterbelts. Southern Rātā is also suitable for revegetation projects, especially in restoring native bush areas, as it supports local wildlife, particularly birds like tūī and bellbirds. In larger landscapes, it can be mass-planted to create a bold visual impact, and in smaller gardens, it can be maintained as a trimmed specimen tree or even grown in large containers. Its resilience and aesthetic appeal make it a versatile and sustainable option for a range of landscape designs.

What is the Metrosideros umbellata hardiness?

Metrosideros umbellata (Southern Rātā) is very hardy to cold, especially compared to other Metrosideros species. It can tolerate temperatures down to around -5°C to -8°C once established, making it suitable for cooler parts of New Zealand and similar temperate climates. In fact, it naturally grows in the cooler, high rainfall areas of the South Island and parts of the lower North Island, often in montane and subalpine forests. Young plants, however, may need some protection from severe frosts until they are well established. Its excellent cold hardiness, combined with its coastal tolerance, makes it one of the toughest native trees for a range of challenging conditions.

Metrosideros umbellata care

Metrosideros umbellata 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 umbellata hedge

Metrosideros umbellata 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 umbellata for sale

The Plant Company has the best Metrosideros umbellata 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 umbellata growth rate?

Metrosideros umbellata (Southern Rātā) has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically growing about 20–40 cm per year under good conditions. In ideal environments with fertile soil, regular moisture, and shelter from extreme wind, it can establish faster, but overall, it remains slower growing compared to some other Metrosideros species like pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa). It can eventually reach heights of up to 15 metres or more over several decades, but it often remains smaller in cultivation. Growth can be slower in poor, dry, or very windy soils, although the plant is quite tough once established.