new zealand christmas tree
Metrosideros excelsa
USDA zones10 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size30 to 35 feet tall30 to 35 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsa) is a tree for borders, hedges, and low maintenance gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 10 and warmer, down to about 30°F (-1°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. It stays evergreen and handles drought and salt. Birds visit it, and it can reach about 30 to 35 feet tall and wide.
Pairs well with Jacaranda, Iris, and Princess Alexandra of Kent rose.