Metrosideros diffusa — Spreading branched

Overview

Metrosideros diffusa is a spreading branched shrubs in the genus Metrosideros, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Metrosideros diffusa 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 is native to New Zealand North, New Zealand South and New Zealand. 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 diffusa

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 diffusa 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 diffusa

Propagation: Sowing seed in spring, Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistance: Scale insects
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free