About
Knightia excelsa, the New Zealand honeysuckle or rewarewa, is a narrowly conical, evergreen tree to 30 m in the wild, usually 8�10 m in cultivation. Young shoots are covered in red-brown felt. Dense spikes of small, bright-red flowers with rolled petals and long styles are produced in late spring and early summer, followed by woody seed pods. An ornamental and distinctive tree for a mild, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Knightia are evergreen trees in the protea family (Proteaceae) native to New Zealand producing leathery, toothed leaves and dense spikes of red flowers. Known as rewarewa in M_ori, their flowers are an important honey source. Grown as ornamental specimen trees in mild gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds. Some drought tolerance once established; will not tolerate waterlogging. Needs frost protection when young. A striking specimen tree for warmer regions
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; cuttings require bottom heat and may be slow to root
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to thrips
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free