Also known as Pohutukawa · 3 saves
Metrosideros
Metrosideros, the genus most gardeners know as pohutukawa. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Metrosideros varieties
2 species of Metrosideros
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Metrosideros in Sow
Save the Metrosideros you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Metrosideros
Whats common across all Metrosideros varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Metrosideros year
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
- Check for PestsJune and July100% of varieties
Inspect new growth flushes for scale insects and aphids.
- Winter PrepNovember and December67% of varieties
Provide frost protection or temporary shelter for young plants before hard winter freezes.
Do
- Grow in full sun to maximize the intensity of the red foliage flushes.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly, especially in heavy clay or loamy sites.
- Prune lightly after flowering to stimulate fresh, colorful vegetative growth.
- Provide high light levels to maximize summer flowering.
- Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Avoid
- Do not prune hard into old, bare wood that lacks green leaves.
- Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or chronically soggy.
- Do not plant in areas subject to moderate or heavy winter frosts.
- Do not prune into old, leafless brown wood.
What goes wrong with Metrosideros
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Small, immobile bumps appearing on stems and leaf undersides, often accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap during the active crawler stage. |
| Aphids | Soft-bodied insects clustering on tender new growth, causing leaf curling. | Wash off with a strong stream of water or treat with insecticidal soap. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage and stippled, yellowing leaves under dry or protected conditions. | Increase local humidity and spray the foliage with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap. |
| Eucalyptus longhorned borer | Holes in the bark, oozing sap, and wilting branches. | Maintain tree vigor and use physical barriers to protect young trunks from boring beetles. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and branch dieback caused by poorly drained, waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and plant in raised beds if necessary. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on the upper surfaces of leaves and new shoots. | Improve air circulation and apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign of infection. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, branch dieback, and dark, decayed roots. | Ensure immaculate soil drainage and avoid overwatering or planting in low-lying areas. |
Making more Metrosideros
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings of semi-mature wood in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three pairs.
- Dip the cut base in rooting hormone powder or gel.
- Insert into a well-draining propagation mix and maintain high humidity until roots form.
Semi-ripe cuttings
- Take 3- to 4-inch semi-ripe tip cuttings in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix of perlite and peat.
- Provide bottom heat and maintain high humidity until roots establish.
Metrosideros questions
How many types of Metrosideros are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Metrosideros varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Metrosideros grow in?
Across its varieties, Metrosideros covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Metrosideros bloom?
Most Metrosideros varieties bloom in spring, late spring, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Metrosideros should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.