Why It's A Great Gift
The iconic red pōhutukawa flowers, in a compact shrub
These Metrosideros varieties are closely related to New Zealand’s much-loved pōhutukawa, the iconic New Zealand Christmas tree. It shares the same brilliant red, brush-like flowers that light up our coastlines at Christmas, set against soft, silvery-green leaves, but in a compact shrub that fits any garden.
Often called the dwarf pōhutukawa, it brings that classic Kiwi summer feeling to patios, courtyards, borders and pots. It flowers over a long season, attracting tūī and bees, and makes a meaningful Christmas gift or a lasting reminder of summers by the sea.
Care at a glance
Tough, coastal and easy going
Plenty of sun, free-draining soil and a little shelter from frost help this pōhutukawa relative thrive. Here is what it needs.
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Light
Full sun
Loves a hot, sunny spot, which brings the best flowering.
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Water
Water weekly
Water regularly while young. Once established, it is drought tolerant and only needs water during extended dry spells.
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Climate
Light frost tolerant
Copes with light frosts, but protect it from heavy frost, especially in inland areas.
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Soil
Free-draining
Thrives in well-drained soil, including poorer soils. It handles wind and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
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Size
Around 1m tall
Forms a neat, rounded shrub around 1m tall and wide, sometimes larger in ideal conditions. Lightly prune after flowering to keep it compact.
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Pets
Pet safe
Pōhutukawa and their relatives are not known to be toxic to cats and dogs, though, as with any plant, chewing may cause a mild upset tummy.
Metrosideros collina ‘Tahiti’, the dwarf pōhutukawa, a Pacific cousin of the New Zealand Christmas tree.
Origins
These varieties belong to the same genus as our pōhutukawa, Metrosideros excelsa, and rātā. Its own species comes from the islands of the South Pacific, including French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, where it grows in warm, sunny, coastal conditions.
Like its famous New Zealand cousin, it is a member of the myrtle family, with the same fiery red, stamen-filled flowers. It offers all the Christmas colour of a pōhutukawa without the size of a full-grown tree.
Questions
Something else? Get in touch, we're happy to help.
Is a Metrosideros Vibrant Flowers easy to care for?
Yes! Metrosideros plants are generally easy to care for once established. They are hardy, adaptable, and are well suited to your everyday NZ conditions.
How much light does a Metrosideros Vibrant Flowers need?
Metrosideros grows best in full sun. Plenty of sunlight encourages strong growth and abundant flowering. If your plant does not flower as much as you expect, it may be due to too much shade.
How often should I water a Metrosideros Vibrant Flowers?
When still establishing, a Metrosideros plant prefers regular watering (But not enough to become water logged). Once established, they can be relatively dought tolerant and only need watering after a long dry spell.
Does a Metrosideros Vibrant Flowers need warmth/humidity?
Metrosideros prefer mild to warm conditions and perform well in a wide range of outdoor New Zealand climates. They are especially tolerant of coastal conditions such as wind and salt spray once established.
Is a Metrosideros Vibrant Flowers safe for pets?
Metrosideros plants are considered non toxic to cats, dogs, and any other pets.
What people say
5.0 from 2 reviews
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Sent these out to a few clients before Christmas, got a heap of nice replies back.
Thomas O · -
Nice little mini pohutakawa for the home. Feels very kiwi.
Mikaere ·
Delivery times
North Island
We aim to deliver orders received by 10am (Monday to Friday) to main North Island centres the next working day. Add 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
South Island
Deliveries to South Island main centres take 2-3 working days if received before 10am, plus 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
General
We are also unable to arrange delivery on weekends.
We will do our best to deliver on days specified, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee.
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