Overview
Metrosideros carminea is a spreading branched shrubs in the genus Metrosideros, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Metrosideros carminea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
It is one of a number of New Zealand Metrosideros species which live out their lives as vines, unlike the northern rātā (M.robusta), which generally begins as a hemi-epiphyte and grows into a huge tree. It occurs in coastal and lowland forest from Te Paki in the north of the North Island south to Māhia Peninsula and Taranaki. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Metrosideros carminea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Metrosideros
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Metrosideros carminea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Metrosideros carminea
- Propagation
- Sowing seed in spring, Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Metrosideros carminea?
Metrosideros carminea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Metrosideros carminea need?
Metrosideros carminea grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Metrosideros carminea hardy in the UK?
Metrosideros carminea has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Metrosideros carminea?
Sowing seed in spring, Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
More in the Metrosideros genus
- Metrosideros diffusa
- Metrosideros fulgensNew Zealand lignum-vitae
- Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' (v)
- Metrosideros perforataflowery rata vine
- Metrosideros robustarata
- Metrosideros villosa
- Metrosideros veratrue iron tree