Overview
Metrosideros fulgens is a spreading branched shrubs in the genus Metrosideros, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Metrosideros fulgens 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 throughout the North Island, on the west coast of the South Island and on the Three Kings Islands north of Cape Reinga. 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 fulgens
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 fulgens 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 fulgens
- 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 fulgens?
Metrosideros fulgens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Metrosideros fulgens need?
Metrosideros fulgens 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 fulgens hardy in the UK?
Metrosideros fulgens 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 fulgens?
Sowing seed in spring, Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
More in the Metrosideros genus
- Metrosideros carmineacrimson rata vine
- Metrosideros diffusa
- Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' (v)
- Metrosideros perforataflowery rata vine
- Metrosideros robustarata
- Metrosideros villosa
- Metrosideros veratrue iron tree