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KNIGHTIA excelsa
Commonly known as New Zealand honeysuckle, Rewa rewa
A New Zealand native tree with long glossy green leathery leaves. Deep red callistemon-like flowers
Further Reading....
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EvergreenLeathery leaves. Adult leaves are narrowly oblong 10-15cm (4-6in) long, blunt-toothed and stiff.
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RedDeep red
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Height30m (98ft)
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Spread10m (33ft)
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TreeTall, usually columnar tree with many short, lateral branches. Flowers are covered with short, velvety, red-brown hairs and are followed by narrow seed pods.
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Heated greenhouse - warm temperateCan be grown outside in summer. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 5°C (41°F)Use loam-based compost (JI No.2) in ful light with shade from hot sun
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Full sunShelter from cold winds
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Partial shade
KNIGHTIA excelsa
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowFlowers are rich in nectar and attract insectsPests & DiseasesRed spider mites if in greenhousePlace of originNew Zealand
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Flower ShapeRacemes10cm (4in) longTubular2.5-4cm (1-1½in) long
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HardinessTender (greenhouse & conservatory)
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOblong
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
RHS group 1 -
Seasonal InterestSpringSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilNeutral to acid soil
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Tree ShapeNarrowly columnar
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Knightia - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
30m (98ft)
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10m (33ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20