Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) Metrosideros excelsa
Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) (Metrosideros excelsa) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Northern North Island, New Zealand (coastal cliffs). It grows 8–20 m (26–66 ft) tall and 8–20 m (26–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Northern North Island, New Zealand (coastal cliffs) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| Invasive in | South Africa (Western Cape): check local rules before planting |
Is Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
See Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (1 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (1 plants)
Questions about Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree)
- How far apart should I plant Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–20 m (26–66 ft).
- Does Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) flower?
- From about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Frost-tender to half-hardy: in cold-winter climates it needs a cool glasshouse (as in the Kew Temperate House).
- Flowers in December in New Zealand (hence "Christmas tree"); bloom date here is the northern-hemisphere equivalent.
- Salt- and wind-hardy coastal tree with aerial roots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium