tree

New Zealand Christmas Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Metrosideros excelsa is a large, evergreen coastal tree native to New Zealand, characterized by a massive dome-like canopy and distinctive aerial roots hanging from the branches. The leathery, dark olive-green leaves feature a dense, white-to-grey woolly backing that provides exceptional salt-spray and wind tolerance.

The summer display consists of dense, terminal clusters of crimson-red flowers composed of long, protruding stamens that form brush-like pom-poms. New foliage emerges with a coppery-red or pinkish furry pubescence before maturing to a deep green.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dramatic summer display of crimson flowers contrasted against dark green and silver-backed foliage.

Acts as an exceptional windbreak and erosion control agent in harsh, salt-sprayed coastal environments.

Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other insect pollinators with its nectar-rich stamens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590"

Width

394"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage, as waterlogged soils trigger root rot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the soil flare level with the ground.
Backfill with native soil without adding soil amendments, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply to settle the soil and apply a thick layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Never prune aggressively into old, bare wood, as this species fails to resprout from old timber; limit pruning to light shaping immediately after flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage deep root systems.
Protect young trees from frost using burlap or temporary covers when temperatures drop below freezing.
Plant well away from sidewalks, driveways, and underground pipes to prevent root damage.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that retain standing water.
Do not perform heavy heading cuts into old, leafless wood.
Do not over-fertilize, particularly with high-nitrogen formulas, which reduces flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal WindbreakSpecimen TreeErosion Control on SlopesStreet Tree (with adequate root space)

Companion Plants

Salvia apiana Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Arctostaphylos densiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

New Zealand Christmas Tree questions

What zones can New Zealand Christmas Tree grow in?

New Zealand Christmas Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is New Zealand Christmas Tree deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse New Zealand Christmas Tree, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does New Zealand Christmas Tree bloom?

New Zealand Christmas Tree typically blooms in late 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 Tree need full sun?

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

Is New Zealand Christmas Tree drought tolerant?

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