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Products > Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Tahiti'   Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Tahiti' - Dwarf Pohutukawa    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtles) Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Orange Red Bloomtime: Spring Synonyms: [M. villosa, M. kermadecensis 'Tahiti'] Height: 2-4 feet Width: 2-4 feet Exposure: Full Sun Seaside: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F Metrosideros collina 'Tahiti' (Dwarf Pohutukawa) - This small shrub has neat gray-green thick rounded leaves and clusters of orange-red flowers. It was selected from Metrosideros kermadecensis for its compact growth (to 3 ft tall and as wide ), and for its free flowering habit. Scattered flowers appear on the bush through much of the year with the heaviest bloom in February, March and April . Butterflies, birds and insects are attracted to the attractive orange/scarlet blooms which appear in masses of puffs covering the bush. As with other Metrosideros, this cultivar is tolerant of salt spray and is useful in seaside plantings. Plant in sunny locations in well draining soils with moderate irrigation. This is an excellent choice for large pots on patios, terraces and around pools or on steps. After flowering, seed can begin to develop and in young plants it is a good practice to prune these seed heads and discard them to encourage new growth. This plant and Metrosideros 'Tahitian Sunset' are sometimes listed as cultivars of Metrosideros collina and at times as cultivars of M. kermadecensis, a plant coming from from the Kermadec Islands that lie about 500 miles north-east of New Zealand. Metrosideros kermadecensis is very closely related if not a synonym to Metrosideros collina var. villosa, a variety native to several Polynesian Islands which is also closely related to the Hawaiian species Metrosideros polymorpha. The genus name Metrosideros is derived from the Greek words “metra” for heartwood and and “sideron” for iron, in reference to the hard wood of the genus.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.