Plant encyclopedia›New Zealand Christmas tree

New Zealand Christmas tree

Also known as: New Zealand fire tree; pohutukawa

An erect, freely-branching, wide-spreading evergreen tree, to 20m tall in its native New Zealand, with semi-glossy, leathery, dark green leaves, densely white-felted beneath. In summer it produces brush-like, bright red flowers, composed of numerous tufts of stamens

Scientific classification

Species: New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsa)
Genus: Metrosideros
Family: Myrtaceae

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Toxicity: Shrubs · Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Information to be completed
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

New Zealand Christmas tree pictures

Distribution of New Zealand Christmas tree

Distribution map

New Zealand (North Island)

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of New Zealand Christmas tree

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New Zealand Christmas tree care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in spring. Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Growing

Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water sparingly at other times. Plants become borderline hardy once the stems become woody at around 5 years

More growing and care information →