Overview
Metrosideros perforata is a spreading branched shrubs in the genus Metrosideros, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Metrosideros perforata 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
An example of a specific location of occurrence is within New Zealand's Hamilton Ecological District in association with such alliant understory plants as Blechnum discolor, Blechnum filiforme and Doodia media. 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 perforata
About the genus
Metrosideros is a genus of approximately 60 trees, shrubs, and vines in the family Myrtaceae, mostly found in the Pacific region. Most of the tree forms are small, but some are exceptionally large, the New Zealand species in particular. The name derives from the Ancient Greek metra or "heartwood" and sideron or "iron".
Wikipedia contributors, "Metrosideros", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Metrosideros
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 perforata 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 perforata
- 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 perforata?
Metrosideros perforata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Metrosideros perforata need?
Metrosideros perforata 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 perforata hardy in the UK?
Metrosideros perforata 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 perforata?
Sowing seed in spring, Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.