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METROSIDEROS
Commonly known as New Zealand Christmas tree
These plants produce exquisite bottle-brush like flowers but they are frost tender and suitable for outdoor growing only in the Scilly Isles or West Cornwall. They do however make excellent conservatory plants but be prepared for aerial roots
Further Reading....
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EvergreenElliptic to oblong leaves 5-10cm (2-4in) long, semi glossy, dark green above and fensely white-felted beneath.
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RedCrimson red
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HeightTo 4m (14ft) plus
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SpreadTo 4m (14ft) plus
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Tall ShrubProduces broad, compact, many-flowered, terminal cymes of flowers 3-4cm (1¼-1½in) long
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Tender - cool or frost free greenhouseTolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F)
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Full sunRequires shelter from cold, drying winds
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowShrubby. Might need restrictive pruning under glass.Pests & DiseasesScale insectsPlace of originNew Zealand (North Island)
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Flower ShapeTrumpet
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Garden Location/ConditionsGreenhouse / conservatoryNot the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winterUse loam-based compost (JI No. 2) in full light with shade from hot sun
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HardinessHalf hardy (down to 0)
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeElliptic
(see photos above) Oblong(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 InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile. Humus-richNeutral to acid soil
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Tree ShapeBroadly conicalSpreading with ageRounded to broadly spreading
Metrosideros - Growing Guide
to 4m (14ft) plus
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to 4m (14ft) plus |
Buy Varieties of METROSIDEROS

METROSIDEROS excelsa 'Parnell'
New Zealand Christmas tree
bright orange-red flowers and large green leaves

METROSIDEROS kermadecensis 'Tahiti'
Pohutakawa
dwarf habit, rounded leaves and clusters of orange red flowers

METROSIDEROS robusta
Northern rata
the hardiest of all the metrosideros which grew at Caerhays for many years. Coppery-scarlet flowers. Much more tender when young as those who have pinched seedlings from Tresco discover to their cost

METROSIDEROS umbellata
Southern rata
one of the hardiest species which will thrive outside in Cornwall. Coppery young leaves and bright crimson flowers

METROSIDEROS umbellata 'Moonlight'
Southern rata
leaves margined white
Useful extras...

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

Vermin & Pest Control
SB Plant Invigorator
This is a non-biological non-chemical plant insecticide and mildewcide.
Works against the physical motion of the insect. Perfect for all plants and edible crops.
Only £9.00

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

Garden Goodies
Max/Min Digital Thermometer
Thermometer which displays current temperature in the centre, with Max above and min below.
Suitable for use outdoors or in the greenhouse / conservatory.
With batteries included
Only £20.00