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Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Tahiti' (Dwarf Pohutukawa) - This small slow growing 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.
Plant in sunny locations in well-draining soils with occasional to moderate irrigation. Hardy to 20-25° F. As with other Metrosideros, this cultivar is tolerant of salt spray and is useful in seaside plantings. We had high hopes for this attractive plant for use as an excellent plant for large pots on patios, terraces and around pools or on steps but it has not proved to be vigorous enough for us to recommend for any large scale applications - several public plantings in Santa Barbara have proven that this plant might be too slow growing, though better results can be had if, after the plant flowers, the seed heads are pruned off to encourage new growth.
This plant and its variegated sport, Metrosideros 'Tahitian Sunset'. are sometimes listed as cultivars of Metrosideros collina and at times as cultivars of M. kermadecensis, a plant coming 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 information displayed on this page about Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Tahiti' is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
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