Overview
Metrosideros robusta is a spreading branched shrubs in the genus Metrosideros, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Metrosideros robusta 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
Metrosideros robusta (rata) is a spreading branched evergreen cultivar within the Metrosideros genus, known for its striking bottle brush-like flowers. This frost-sensitive plant thrives best in sheltered, south- or west-facing positions with full sun, ideally in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils of varying pH. It is suitable for architectural planting, city and courtyard gardens, coastal areas, patios, containers, and conservatories. Propagation is typically by sowing seed in spring or rooting semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer, with interest peaking in spring and summer.
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 robusta 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 robusta
- 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 robusta?
Metrosideros robusta prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Metrosideros robusta need?
Metrosideros robusta 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 robusta hardy in the UK?
Metrosideros robusta 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 robusta?
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 fulgensNew Zealand lignum-vitae
- Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' (v)
- Metrosideros perforataflowery rata vine
- Metrosideros villosa
- Metrosideros veratrue iron tree