shrub

New Zealand Christmas Bush

Metrosideros collina 'Fiji Fire'

The Story

Plant Bio

Metrosideros collina is an evergreen woody species native to the Pacific Islands, characterized by its dense, multi-stemmed growth habit and high tolerance for coastal winds. The species produces tufted, brush-like inflorescences rich in nectar, which emerge primarily during the warmer months of the year.

'Fiji Fire' is distinguished by its highly reflective, dark green mature foliage contrasted against frequent flushes of bright coppery-red new growth. The cultivar produces bright orange-red flowers with long, prominent stamens that resemble small pincushions.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round visual interest through its glossy foliage, bright red new growth flushes, and dense orange-red flowers.

Functions as an effective, wind-resistant hedge or privacy screen in coastal and high-humidity environments.

Attracts nectar-feeding birds, bees, and other insect pollinators to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

78"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Pacific Islands

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun exposure and excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support the seasonal growth flushes.

Pro Tip

Prune only into stems that retain active green leaves; cutting back into old, leafless bare wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

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.

Don't

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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenWindbreakCoastal GardenSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Phormium tenax Coprosma repens Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

New Zealand Christmas Bush questions

What zones can New Zealand Christmas Bush grow in?

New Zealand Christmas Bush is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does New Zealand Christmas Bush bloom?

New Zealand Christmas Bush typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does New Zealand Christmas Bush need full sun?

New Zealand Christmas Bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is New Zealand Christmas Bush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), New Zealand Christmas Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.