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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtles) |
| Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange Red |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Synonyms: [M. villosa, M. kermadecensis 'Tahiti'] |
| Height: 2-4 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Metrosideros collina 'Tahiti' (Dwarf Pohutukawa) - This small slow growing shrub has neat gray-green thick rounded leaves and clusters of orange-red flowers. It was selected from Metrosideros kermadecensis for its compact growth (to 3 ft tall and as wide ), and for its free flowering habit. Scattered flowers appear on the bush through much of the year with the heaviest bloom in February, March and April . Butterflies, birds and insects are attracted to the attractive orange/scarlet blooms which appear in masses of puffs covering the bush. As with other Metrosideros, this cultivar is tolerant of salt spray and is useful in seaside plantings. Plant in sunny locations in well-draining soils with moderate irrigation. We had high hopes for this attractive plant for use as an excellent plant for large pots on patios, terraces and around pools or on steps but it has not proved to be vigorous enough for us to recommed for any large scale applications - several public plantings in Santa Barbara have proven that this plant might be too slow growing, though better results can be had if, after the plant flowers, the seed heads are pruned off to encourage new growth. This plant and Metrosideros 'Tahitian Sunset' are sometimes listed as cultivars of Metrosideros collina and at times as cultivars of M. kermadecensis, a plant coming from from the Kermadec Islands that lie about 500 miles north-east of New Zealand. Metrosideros kermadecensis is very closely related if not a synonym to Metrosideros collina var. villosa, a variety native to several Polynesian Islands which is also closely related to the Hawaiian species Metrosideros polymorpha. The genus name Metrosideros is derived from the Greek words 'metra' for "heartwood" and and 'sideron' for "iron", in reference to the hard wood of the genus.
The information about Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Tahiti' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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