Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa

$650.00

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Size: 100L

100L

Current Stock Height Guides

100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m to 10m

Mature Width: 6m to 8m

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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About Your New Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa

Metrosideros tomentosa, sold everywhere as the New Zealand Christmas Tree or Pohutukawa, is now more correctly named Metrosideros excelsa. It is a broad, spreading evergreen with leathery grey-green leaves, gnarled sculptural limbs and masses of crimson brush-like flowers through summer, which are the reason most people plant it.

Give it full sun and free-draining soil. It handles salt spray, wind and dry coastal ground once established, growing 30 to 60 centimetres a year to 6 to 10 metres tall and 6 to 8 metres wide. It is frost sensitive, so choose a frost-free or sheltered position in cooler districts.

It suits coastal gardens, beachside streetscapes, civic plantings and large courtyards where shade and summer colour are wanted. Space feature trees 3 to 4 metres apart, or 3 metres for an avenue. For exposed seaside sites in warm temperate and subtropical Australia, few broadleaf trees are this reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Pohutukawa

What is a Pohutukawa?

Metrosideros tomentosa, also listed as Metrosideros excelsa, is an evergreen tree from coastal New Zealand, grown here for its bright crimson summer flowers and broad spreading canopy. The leaves are leathery and grey-green, and older trees develop a heavy, characterful trunk. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, the same group as eucalypts and bottlebrushes.

How big does a Pohutukawa grow?

In Australian gardens it typically reaches 6 to 10 metres tall and 6 to 8 metres wide, forming a rounded, spreading canopy that casts useful shade. Trees in exposed coastal positions stay shorter and broader, while sheltered inland specimens grow taller. Allow for the full width when siting it near paths, fences or buildings.

When does it flower?

Flowering is in summer, mostly December through January, which is where the New Zealand Christmas Tree name comes from. The flowers are crimson-red brushes made up of fine stamens, held in dense clusters across the outer canopy. They are heavily worked by nectar-feeding birds and bees, and are followed by small seed capsules.

Is it frost tolerant?

No. Pohutukawa is frost sensitive and young trees can be damaged by even moderate frost. Plant it in frost-free coastal and warm temperate districts, or choose a protected northern aspect with overhead shelter in areas that get occasional light frost. In cold inland gardens it is not a reliable long-term choice.

Is it suitable for coastal positions?

Yes, it is one of the better trees for hard coastal conditions. It tolerates salt-laden wind, sandy soil and periods of drought once the root system is established, and it will grow in front-line positions where many trees burn off. Good drainage matters more to it than soil fertility.

How fast does it grow?

Growth is moderate, around 30 to 60 centimetres a year in a warm position with reasonable moisture. Trees put on most of their height in the first ten years, then broaden out. Water regularly through the first two summers to get the root system down, after which growth continues with little input.

How do I care for a Pohutukawa?

Water deeply through the first two summers, then only in extended dry spells. Feed in early spring with a general slow-release fertiliser. Pruning is optional and best done after flowering, lifting the lower limbs to expose the trunk or thinning the canopy. Keep mulch clear of the trunk and avoid heavy, wet soils.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa works in an:

Japanese Inspired – serene balance of form, foliage, and flow.
Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa Evergreen or Deciduous?

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m to 10m

Mature Width: 6m to 8m

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa

Is Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa frost tolerant?

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa Flower?

Metrosideros tomentosa produces spectacular clusters of bright crimson-red, brush-like flowers from late spring through summer, peaking around Christmas. The dense, velvety stamens create a vivid display that contrasts brilliantly with the thick, grey-green foliage and the tree’s characteristic gnarled branching.

Does Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Fluffy
Clustered
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Red

Is Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa an Australian Native Tree?

No

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is Native to Coastal regions of New Zealand’s North Island, where it grows naturally on rocky cliffs and sandy shorelines.

What is the Wildlife Value of Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa ?

Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and a wide range of beneficial insects. The dense canopy provides superb shelter and nesting space for small birds, while the rough bark and twisting branches support insects and microfauna — making it one of the most ecologically valuable coastal species.

How much Sunlight does Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa need?

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Metrosideros tomentosa performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. Exceptionally hardy in coastal and poorer soils, it may struggle in heavy clay or consistently wet positions unless improved with coarse sand and organic matter to increase drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, infrequent watering as the tree matures to support drought resilience, strong root anchoring and prolific seasonal flowering.

Is Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa Drought Tolerant?

Is Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Pōhutukawa develops excellent drought tolerance. Naturally adapted to coastal cliffs and exposed shorelines, it thrives in hot, dry, windy and salt-laden environments, keeping strong evergreen growth with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

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How To Plant Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa in Different Soil

Metrosideros tomentosa performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Metrosideros tomentosa grow?
A: It grows 6–10 metres tall with a 6–8 metre canopy spread.

Q: Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, it’s one of the most salt and wind-tolerant trees available.

Q: When does it flower?
A: It blooms in summer with bright red, brush-like flowers.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its nectar-rich flowers attract birds, bees, and pollinators.

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Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa