Roll out the RED carpet
Pohutukawa smack of summer, writes Gareth Carter, and they can thrive in Whanganui
IASSOCIATE SUMMER with the flowering of pohutukawa trees. To me it gives a real “Kiwiana” feel of barbecues, going to the beach and blissful relaxation.
I’m always on the look out for them flowering and can’t help but continually point out good flowering specimens whenever I am driving, to whomever is in the car with me to hear it.
There are many specimens around Whanganui as street trees, in parks as well as many in private gardens. As many have originated as seedlings, there is sometimes a noticeable variant between trees that includes the flower colour, flower timing and sometimes growth habit too.
There are a number of varieties of metrosideros species that are grouped together under the widely recognised common name of pohutukawa.
Not all are giant forest trees and a number can be grown in the small home garden.
Pohutukawa have become popular among many home gardeners. When New Zealand was settled by Europeans they were found growing naturally close to the coastal areas of the North Island.
From the Three Kings Islands southwards to Poverty Bay on the east coast and around the mouth of the Urenui River, just north of Waitara on the west coast. They also grew along the shores of some of the lakes in the Rotorua district.
Since then many species have been extensively planted in many parts of New Zealand, both inland and on the coast.
They have been used as street trees in a number of cities including Whanganui and many have been planted in parks and gardens.
The largest pohutukawa in New Zealand, Te Wahoa Rerekohu, is at Te Araroa and is said to be more than 300 years old and has a height of nearly 21m and a spread of almost 40m.
We can also see good specimens in and around Nelson, on Banks Peninsula and as far south as Dunedin on the east and Jackson’s Bay on the West Coast of the South Island.
It is well known that pohutukawa grow best by the sea. The familiar species Metrosideros excelsa is commonly referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree. The Ma¯ori name pohutukawa, “drenched with spray”, refers to the way these robust trees cling to rocky cliffs and endure wild ocean storms.
Pohutukawa trees often have aerial roots growing from low branches or the trunk.
They can form a tangled mat or net and may join around the trunk or branch from which they arise. Only the larger roots may reach the ground.
The oldest and finest pohutukawa trees can be seen around the Coromandel peninsula on the coast and also near Opotiki and Ohope Beach in the Bay of Plenty and the East Cape coast road.
The key feature is the vivid summer display during December and January when the tree is often completely smothered with its orange scarlet to deep crimson flowers.
Many birds are attracted to pohutukawa flowers because of the copious nectar in the flowers. These trees are perfect in many landscaping situations, obviously a good first choice as a front line seaside plant against prevailing strong salt laden winds.
In Whanganui they can be planted in most sandy to heavy clay free draining soil that has been deeply worked and enriched with organic compost in a full or partial sun position. Mulch 50mm to 75mm and water during dry periods while the trees are becoming established.
Once established the trees are very drought resistant.
Pohutukawa normally branch from the ground but a single trunk can be formed with careful pruning and staking. As a hedge or screen, regular trimming encourages and maintains the desired size to form an almost impenetrable barrier.
Most species are fairly hardy but juvenile growth needs protection until well established with adult foliage.
Pohutukawa also make good tub or container specimens for courtyard, patio or deck situations. Most pohutukawa varieties respond well to being trimmed and can be kept significantly smaller by an annual prune.
The most commonly planted larger growing variety is Metrosideros excelsa or a selection of it called Maori Princess. It is what we would all recognise as the iconic traditional pohutukawa with spectacular, deep crimson red flowers from December onwards into summer.
Metrosideros Springfire is an early flowering variety which has more orange-red coloured flowers from spring to early summer. It grows about 4m high by 3m wide.
Metrosideros Kawa Copper is a variety released in about 2011. It is a cross with the northern rata. As well as deep red flowers it also boasts attractive coppery coloured new foliage. It grows about 2.5m high by 2m wide.
Metrosideros kermadecensis Variegata is a fine compact variegated form extremely hardy to coastal conditions and an ideal tub plant. The foliage is broadly margined creamy yellow and provides a garden with distinct colour.
Some good specimens are along the GF Moore Drive entranceway to Springvale Park in Whanganui.
Metrosideros Tahitian Fireball is a good smaller form of pohutukawa that will fit into a courtyard garden or pot. It forms a beautiful shrub that grows about 1.2m high by 1m wide. It produces brilliant red flowers two-three times a year mostly during the summer months.
It is well known that pohutukawa grow best by the sea.
Gareth Carter is general manager of Springvale Garden Centre