Botanical Name: Metrosideros excelsus (M. Tomentosus)
Common Name: New Zealand Christmas Tree, Pohutukawa Type of Plant: dicot: tree Habit of Growth: Overall Shape an evergreen large shrub in youth, single-or multi-trunked, with ascending primary branching; develops a full oval to rounded canopy as the plant matures; rather slow-growing at first and shrubby if unpruned Height 15-30' (40 ft) Spread 2/3 to equal Growth Rate slow to moderate Environment: Exposure full sun preferred; tolerates some shade at inland locations Soil prefers well-draining sites Hardiness tender (Zones 17, 23-24): best-suited to mild coastal habitats Morphology: Leaves pinnate. mostly opposite on pale gray fuzzy stems, 2-3" long, oval to elliptic, leathery, dark green above, pale gray-green and fuzzy beneath Flowers crimson red, many-stamened (similar to Callistemon), in large rounded clusters at the ends of branches; mostly in summer Fruit a woody capsule (similar to Callistemon) Propagation: seed Usage: a small accent tree for coastal areas, valued for its heavy display of showy red flowers and structure if trained; Mediterranean-subtropical themes; good courtyard or small street tree; also as background screening Landscape Care: Watering give an occasional deep soak the first 2 years, then very little needed thereafter Fertilizing little needed after establishment (check for chlorosis in lawns) Pruning as a tree, head high when young and develop primary framework Pests/Diseases relatively free Special Conditions/Other M. excelsa ‘Aurea’ produces yellow flowers Origin: coastal regions of northern New Zealand Family: Myrtaceae Notes: |
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