Metrosideros excelsa – Pōhutukawa

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa, is a broad-canopied evergreen New Zealand native valued for its rugged branching, leathery green foliage, and vivid crimson summer flowers. Flowering over the warmer months brings strong seasonal colour and attracts birdlife, while mature trees develop the wide, characterful form this species is known for. With its coastal resilience, longevity, and strong landscape presence, Pōhutukawa suits larger gardens, parks, streetscapes, and long-term feature planting.

Why Pōhutukawa suits New Zealand landscapes

Pōhutukawa performs well in full sun and adapts to a wide range of New Zealand conditions, including wind, coastal exposure, and dry periods once established. It suits parks, coastal landscapes, avenue planting, and spacious residential sites where a durable evergreen tree is needed. Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) is best planted where its broad natural form can develop without crowding, allowing both canopy spread and branching structure to be appreciated.

Metrosideros excelsa size, spacing, and growth rate

Pōhutukawa can reach around 10m tall and 10m wide within 10 years, with a moderate growth rate and much greater long-term potential in suitable conditions. Allow generous spacing from buildings, driveways, and boundaries to accommodate canopy spread and surface-root development over time. For avenue or specimen planting, give Metrosideros excelsa enough room to develop naturally without heavy shaping.