Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa
Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa
Evergreen · Full Sun
Mature size: 6m–10m high × 6m–8m wide
- Evergreen
- Full Sun
- Mature height6m–10m
- Mature width6m–8m
- Frost Sensitive
- Flowers
Most loved for its brilliant crimson-red flowers in summer and its leathery grey-green foliage, creating a vibrant coastal feature tree.
Regular price
$730.00
Sale price
$730.00
Regular price
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Pot size
Available batches
- Current height guide
- Please enquire
- Pot size
- 100L
Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.
Height guide & disclaimer
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 must confirm 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.
Quantity
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Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- 6m to 10m
- Mature width
- 6m to 8m
Pot sizes & dimensions
Pot sizes & dimensions
| Pot / bag size | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm Pot | 33cm | 30cm |
| 40cm/45L Pot | 44cm | 41.5cm |
| 50cm Pot / 70L Pot | 55cm | 41.8cm |
| 100L Bag | 50.6cm | 52.8cm |
| 150L Bag | 66cm | 55cm |
| 200L Bag | 71.5cm | 60.5cm |
| 300L Bag | 88cm | 63.8cm |
| 400L Bag | 99cm | 66cm |
| 500L Bag | 122cm | 66cm |
| 750L Bag | 134cm | 69cm |
| 1000L Bag | 146.3cm | 71.5cm |
| 2000L Bag | 176cm | 82.5cm |
General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.
Delivery & pickup
Delivery & pickup
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Trade enquiries
We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.
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About Metrosideros tomentosa
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.
| Mature height | 6m to 10m |
|---|---|
| Mature width | 6m to 8m |
| Position | Full Sun |
| Growth per year | 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) |
| Frost | Frost Sensitive |
| Foliage | Evergreen (foliage year round) |
| Form | Broad · Rounded · Spreading |
| Uses | Feature Tree · Shade Tree · Council or Civic Landscapes |
- Foliage
Evergreen (foliage year round)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- 6m to 10m
- Mature width
- 6m to 8m
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa
Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).
Long Term Care For Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa
Planting Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa works in an:
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:
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?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare sizes side by side
100L
Enquire for current heights
Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.
Metrosideros tomentosa is loved for its brilliant crimson-red flowers in summer and its leathery grey-green foliage, creating a vibrant coastal feature tree.
We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.
Plant Your Metrosideros tomentosa – New Zealand Christmas Tree / Pohutukawa With:
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' is one of the most widely planted lilly pilly cultivars in New South Wales and Queensland, valued for its pest resistance, dense foliage, and dependable performance. The glossy deep green leaves and striking red to copper new growth give it year-round colour and a thick, bushy habit.
Resilience grows to 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-4 metre clipped hedge. The fast growth, dense canopy, and excellent response to pruning make it a top choice for privacy screening, formal and informal hedges, and fast-establishing boundary planting.
Its key advantage is psyllid resistance: where older Syzygium varieties are disfigured by pimple-like pest damage, 'Resilience' holds clean, unblemished foliage without chemical treatment. It thrives in full sun to part shade, tolerates drought once established, and produces fluffy white summer flowers followed by berries that attract native birds.
The 50cm Tall Square Form is the same cultivar grown on and pre-clipped to a squared upright panel. It is the shortcut to an instant formal hedge: set the units side by side and the line closes immediately, with none of the two or three seasons a shrub-form hedge takes to knit together.
Which form do you need? The 30cm, 40cm, 50cm, 100L and 200L sizes are the natural bushy form, supplied as shrubs for screens and hedges you clip yourself. The 50cm Tall Square Form arrives already clipped as a squared panel for an instant formal line. For the same cultivar trained as a clipped lollipop on a clear trunk, see the Syzygium 'Resilience' Standard, or as a clipped cone, the Resilience Cones.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
What is the Tall Square Form?
It is the same 'Resilience' cultivar grown on and pre-clipped into a squared upright panel rather than a bushy shrub. Placed side by side, the units give a finished formal hedge on the day they go in. It costs more than the shrub form because the clipping and the growing-on time are already done for you.
How tall does Syzygium 'Resilience' grow?
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' grows to 4-6 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, and is most commonly maintained as a 1.5-4 metre clipped hedge.
How fast does Resilience grow?
Resilience is fast-growing, adding 60cm to 1 metre per year once established, making it one of the quickest hedges to fill in.
Is Syzygium 'Resilience' psyllid resistant?
Yes. 'Resilience' is a psyllid-resistant lilly pilly cultivar, which is the main reason it outperforms older Syzygium varieties and holds clean, unblemished foliage.
Is Resilience good for hedging and screening?
Yes. Resilience is one of the most popular hedging and screening lilly pillies in NSW and QLD, valued for its dense growth, glossy foliage, and excellent response to pruning.
How far apart should I plant Resilience for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre for a more relaxed screen. Tall Square Form units are placed edge to edge, so the line is closed from day one.
Is Resilience an Australian native?
Yes. Syzygium australe is an Australian native, and 'Resilience' is a selected cultivar valued for its psyllid resistance and compact growth.
Where does Resilience grow best in Australia?
Resilience thrives across most Australian climates, performing best in temperate to subtropical regions. It is drought tolerant once established and attracts native birds.
Syzygium australe 'Resilience' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' is a fast-growing, low-maintenance Australian native ideal for creating dense, lush hedges. Its vibrant evergreen foliage is complemented by striking coppery bronze new growth, making it a gorgeous and eye-catching feature in any garden.
They look excellent when planted as privacy screens or formal hedges and work well for topiary or standalone ornamental trees. Summer brings fluffy cream-white blossoms that attract bees and native birds, boosting your garden's ecological value.
Thriving in full sun to part shade and adaptable to well-drained soils, including clay and sandy types, this resilient tree is drought and frost tolerant once established. For added landscape interest, 'Backyard Bliss' hedges can be underplanted with shade-tolerant groundcovers or small flowering plants to create layered garden designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
How tall does Backyard Bliss Lilly Pilly grow?
Backyard Bliss reaches 4-5 metres tall and around 2 metres wide at maturity. With regular trimming it can be maintained at any height between 1.5 and 4 metres, making it one of the most versatile lilly pilly varieties for Australian hedges.
How fast does Backyard Bliss grow?
Backyard Bliss is a fast-growing cultivar, adding roughly 1 metre of growth per year once established in good conditions. Expect a usable privacy hedge within 18-24 months from 45L pot size.
How far apart should I plant Backyard Bliss for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense, fast-establishing formal hedge. For a looser informal screen, 1 metre spacing also works well.
Is Backyard Bliss psyllid resistant?
Yes. Backyard Bliss is one of the most psyllid-resistant lilly pilly varieties available, which is the main reason it outperforms older Syzygium cultivars across Australian gardens.
Can Backyard Bliss grow in pots?
Yes. Backyard Bliss performs well in large pots (minimum 50L) and is widely used as a balcony screen or potted formal hedge with regular watering and feeding.
Will Backyard Bliss attract birds and pollinators?
Yes. The summer cream-white flowers attract native birds, bees, and pollinators, and the dense evergreen canopy provides shelter and nesting habitat.
How do I prune Backyard Bliss?
Trim two to three times through the warmer months to keep a formal hedge dense and even, starting while the plants are young so the base fills out properly. Light, regular clipping gives a better result than one hard cut. Backyard Bliss shoots readily from older wood, so it recovers well if you need to bring a hedge back down in height.
Syzygium paniculatum 'Backyard Bliss' Lilly Pilly
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' produces some of the largest and most brilliantly red bottlebrush flowers of any Callistemon, carried heavily through spring and summer with sporadic flushes at other times. The flowers are worked constantly by honeyeaters and native bees.
'Harkness' grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide at 40 to 60 centimetres per year, holding a dense upright habit that fills in from the base. It works as an informal screen along a boundary, as a mass planting in civic and rural landscapes, or as a single specimen in a large pot.
This Australian native is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and tolerates poor soils, extended dry and periodic wet feet once established. It grows in full sun and needs little beyond a light prune after flowering to stay dense.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness'
How tall does Callistemon 'Harkness' grow?
'Harkness' grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide with a dense upright habit. It can be held lower with regular trimming after flowering.
When does 'Harkness' flower?
The main flush is through spring and summer, with sporadic flowering at other times of year. 'Harkness' carries notably large, deep red bottlebrush flowers.
Does 'Harkness' attract birds?
Yes. The nectar-rich flowers are heavily worked by honeyeaters, lorikeets and native bees, and the dense branching gives shelter to small birds.
Is Callistemon 'Harkness' frost hardy?
Yes. It is frost hardy and survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, which suits it to inland tablelands districts as well as coastal gardens.
Can 'Harkness' be used as a hedge?
Yes. Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen. It responds well to trimming immediately after flowering, which keeps it compact and encourages the next flush.
What soil does 'Harkness' need?
It is highly adaptable, tolerating poor soils, clay, extended dry and periodic waterlogging once established. Free-draining soil gives the best growth but is not essential.
Can 'Harkness' be grown in a pot?
Yes. It performs well in large pots in full sun. Use a quality potting mix, water regularly through summer, and prune after flowering to keep the shape tight.
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush
Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush
Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' carries some of the largest and most intensely crimson bottlebrush flowers of any cultivar, held in heavy flushes through spring and summer against dense evergreen foliage. It is among the showiest bottlebrushes available and a reliable magnet for honeyeaters.
'KPS' grows to 3 to 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide at 50 to 80 centimetres per year, filling in densely from the base without needing to be clipped into shape. It works as a fast informal screen along a boundary, a mass planting in civic and rural landscapes, or a specimen in a large pot.
This Australian native is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and tolerates poor soils, extended dry and periodic wet feet once established. It grows in full sun and asks for nothing beyond a light trim after each flowering flush.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Callistemon 'KPS'
How tall does Callistemon 'KPS' grow?
'KPS' grows to 3 to 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide with a dense habit. It can be held lower with a trim after flowering if a shorter screen is wanted.
What makes 'KPS' different from other bottlebrushes?
'KPS' is a hybrid of Callistemon citrinus and Callistemon viminalis, selected for unusually large, deeply crimson flower spikes and dense foliage. It is one of the showiest bottlebrush cultivars grown.
When does 'KPS' flower?
The main flush is through spring and summer, with sporadic flowering at other times. Flowering is heavy enough to cover much of the canopy.
How fast does 'KPS' grow?
It grows at 50 to 80 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable screen within two to three years with regular water through the first summers.
Does 'KPS' attract birds?
Yes. The nectar-rich crimson flowers are worked heavily by honeyeaters, lorikeets and native bees, and the dense branching shelters smaller birds.
Is Callistemon 'KPS' frost hardy?
Yes. It is frost hardy and survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, suiting it to inland tablelands as well as coastal gardens.
How far apart should I plant 'KPS' for a screen?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 2 to 3 metres apart where each plant should read as an individual shrub.
Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush
Leptospermum brachyandrum 'Jack Frost'
Leptospermum brachyandrum 'Jack Frost'
Leptospermum brachyandrum 'Jack Frost' is a compact form of the weeping tea tree, an Australian native evergreen with fine silver grey foliage on softly arching branches and smooth bark that peels away to cream and orange beneath. Small white flowers cover the branches through spring and into early summer.
It grows 30 to 50 centimetres a year to 2 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide. Full sun to part shade suits it, in soil that drains freely. Frost, coastal salt and dry periods are handled once established, and it performs from cool temperate through to subtropical districts.
The weeping habit and pale foliage make a good contrast against dark green natives, timber screens or rendered walls. Use it as a small feature tree, as an informal screen at 1 to 1.5 metres apart, or through a native or coastal garden. It suits nature strips and courtyards with limited root room.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 'Jack Frost' Tea Tree
What is Leptospermum brachyandrum 'Jack Frost'?
'Jack Frost' is a compact selection of the weeping tea tree, an Australian native in the family Myrtaceae. Its appeal is the fine silver grey foliage on weeping branches and the smooth bark that peels to show cream and orange tones underneath. White tea tree flowers appear in spring and early summer.
How big does 'Jack Frost' grow?
It reaches 2 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide, noticeably smaller than the species, which can make a tree of 6 metres or more. Growth of 30 to 50 centimetres a year gets it to useful size within a few seasons. The narrow width suits confined beds and side gardens.
Is the foliage variegated?
No. The silvery appearance comes from a fine covering on narrow, needle like leaves rather than any cream or white leaf margin. The colour is uniform across the plant and reads as pale silver grey from a distance. New growth carries the strongest silver tone, which softens slightly as the foliage matures.
When does it flower?
White tea tree flowers appear through spring and into early summer, roughly September to December, and are carried thickly along the arching branches. The display is short but heavy, and it draws native bees and other beneficial insects. Outside flowering, the silver foliage and peeling bark carry the plant year round.
Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
Yes. Leptospermum species are among the most reliable coastal plants in Australia, and 'Jack Frost' tolerates salt laden wind and sandy soil well once established. Give it free draining ground, avoid positions where water sits after rain, and keep water up for the first summer while roots take hold.
Does it have invasive roots?
No. The root system is fibrous and non aggressive, with no history of lifting paving or invading pipes, which makes it a sensible choice for nature strips, courtyards and beds near paths or pools. As with any tree, allow a reasonable soil volume and keep the plant clear of shallow services.
How do I care for 'Jack Frost' Tea Tree?
Water through the first summer, then only in extended dry spells. Prune lightly straight after flowering, tipping the growth to keep the plant dense, and avoid cutting back into bare old wood as tea trees reshoot poorly from it. Use a low phosphorus native fertiliser in spring and mulch the root zone.
Leptospermum brachyandrum 'Jack Frost'
Agonis flexuosa 'Burgundy' Willow Myrtle
Agonis flexuosa 'Burgundy' Willow Myrtle
Agonis flexuosa 'Burgundy' is a medium-sized evergreen Australian native grown for its rich burgundy-purple foliage and graceful weeping form. The deep leaf colour creates bold contrast against green plantings, while the lance-shaped leaves release a subtle aroma when crushed.
Burgundy Willow Myrtle grows to 5-7 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with a soft weeping habit. The graceful form and manageable size suit informal screens, feature planting, avenue lines, residential gardens, and streetscapes. Small white flowers appear through spring and summer, adding a light seasonal display.
Burgundy Willow Myrtle is highly drought tolerant once established and also handles coastal exposure including salt spray and wind. It performs best in full sun to part shade across WA, SA, VIC, NSW and southern QLD, tolerating light frost once established.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Agonis flexuosa 'Burgundy' Willow Myrtle
How tall does Burgundy Willow Myrtle grow?
Burgundy Willow Myrtle grows to 5-7 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with a graceful weeping form.
How fast does Agonis Burgundy grow?
Agonis Burgundy is moderately fast-growing, adding 40-60cm per year once established.
When does Agonis Burgundy flower?
Agonis flexuosa 'Burgundy' produces small clustered white flowers through spring and summer. While subtle, the blooms add a delicate contrast to its deep burgundy foliage, offering a light seasonal display.
Is Agonis Burgundy an Australian native?
Yes. Agonis flexuosa is native to south-western Western Australia. 'Burgundy' is a selected cultivar of the species with rich burgundy-purple foliage in place of the species' green leaves.
Is Agonis Burgundy drought tolerant?
Yes. Burgundy Willow Myrtle is highly drought tolerant once established and also handles coastal exposure including salt spray and sandy soils.
Where does Agonis Burgundy grow best in Australia?
Agonis Burgundy thrives across most of Australia, particularly in WA, SA, VIC, NSW, and southern QLD. It tolerates light frost once established and prefers full sun.
How far apart should I plant Agonis Burgundy?
Plant 3-4 metres apart for a feature row or informal screen, or 5 metres for individual canopy spread.
Agonis flexuosa 'Burgundy' Willow Myrtle
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Balls' is Star Jasmine grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere. The small glossy leaves sit tight on a woody framework, holding a clean rounded outline year round. White pinwheel flowers open in spring and carry a strong sweet scent right across a courtyard.
Ball specimens hold at about 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide with light clipping. Full sun to part shade suits them, in any free draining soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. They handle coastal exposure, light frost and dry spells once the roots are down.
Repeat them along a driveway, either side of an entry, or in pots on a terrace where a formal shape is wanted straight away. They read as structure in a planting scheme without the height of a hedge, and because the form is already trained, a new garden looks settled from the day it goes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Star Jasmine Balls
What are Star Jasmine Balls?
They are Trachelospermum jasminoides, the common Star Jasmine, grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere on a woody framework. Instead of climbing, the plant is trained into a self supporting rounded shape. The foliage is small, glossy and dark green, and the plant carries scented white flowers through spring.
How big do Star Jasmine Balls grow?
They hold at roughly 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, so a light clip once or twice a year keeps the ball tight at whatever size within that range suits the setting.
Do Star Jasmine Balls need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest foliage and the heaviest flowering, while part shade produces slightly softer, more open growth and fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade, where the ball thins out and loses its outline. Morning sun with afternoon protection suits hot inland gardens.
Can Star Jasmine Balls be grown in pots?
Yes, and pots are one of the main uses. A container 50 to 60 centimetres wide with a quality free draining mix will hold a ball for years. Water more often than you would in the ground, especially in summer, and feed in spring and again in late summer. Refresh the mix every few years.
Are Star Jasmine Balls evergreen?
Yes, the foliage is held year round. The glossy dark green leaves take on a bronze tinge in cold weather and green up again in spring, but the plant never goes bare. That is what makes it useful as permanent structure in a scheme, particularly in winter once perennials have died back.
When do Star Jasmine Balls flower?
Flowering runs through spring, roughly September to November, and often carries into early summer in warmer districts. The white pinwheel flowers are small but produced in quantity, and the scent is strong on still evenings. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun that were not clipped hard just before bud set.
How do I prune and care for Star Jasmine Balls?
Clip lightly with hedging shears once after flowering and again in late summer if needed, taking only the new growth to keep the outline crisp. Water deeply in dry weather, mulch the base, and feed in early spring. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
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