Metrosideros is a small genus found in Africa, Australia, Polynesia and New Zealand. The name is from the Greek and refers to the iron like heart of the trunk. There are several species native to New Zealand that range from sub tropical climbers to very large, long lived tree. The tree forms are commonly called New Zealand Christmas Bush.
Metrosideros excelsa is a long-lived tree (300+ years) that can attain quite mammoth proportions in the ideal climate after 100 or more years. The common name in New Zealand for this species is ‘Pohutukawa’ from the Maori for ‘drenched with spray’ relating to the fact that they will grow right on the ocean cliffs.
‘Pink Lady’ is a soft colored new cultivar with masses of red pink flowers over spring and early summer. It likes full sun, is tolerant of extended dry periods and moderate frosts once the plant is well established. After 10 years it should be around 3-4m in height and 2-3m wide. After twenty years it may get to 10 m high. It can be kept at whatever height you desire with an annual prune. An annual feed with a Osmocote Outdoor Trees and Shrubs slow release will keep it vigorous and healthy.
