Metrosideros fulgens

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Orange Rata, Scarlet Rata

Metrosideros fulgens, commonly known as Scarlet Rata, is a NZ native shrub (or climber) renowned for its beautifully formed heads of scarlet red flowers. The flowers are borne at the tips of the branches from summer through into winter. The foliage comprises light green leaves which provide a lovely backdrop to the flowers. This plant can be grown as either a shrub or a climber when it has a structure to cling to. It is commonly grown as a shrub to about 2 m tall and the same wide. Metrosideros fulgens is commonly included in a mixed planting, planted around the barbecue or patio areas, or used as a larger groundcover, particularly where it can cascade over rocks or walls. If planted close to a wall or fence it may revert to is climbing form and attach to the wall.

Metrosideros fulgens is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Metrosideros available.

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Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:	Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:	Shrubs
Height:	2.00 m
Spread:	2.00 m
Flowering time:	Summer
Tolerances:	Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses:	Arches, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles:	Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Easy to grow?	Yes
Maintenance requirements	Low
Growth rate	Medium
Also known as	Orange Rata, Scarlet Rata

How to grow a Metrosideros fulgens hedge

Metrosideros fulgens hedge spacing is generally 50 cm between the plants. If you want the hedge to fill in faster, you can shorten the spacing to 40 cm. However, going wider than 50 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in and this can cause frustration. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing the plants compete for light, and in doing so, they push each other upwards. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends a 40-50 cm spacing against a trellis to achieve an amazing hedge. Start trimming the sides of hedge early so the hedge becomes denser and easier to control.

Metrosideros fulgens care

Metrosideros fulgens is generally very easy to care for, thriving in New Zealand’s coastal and temperate climates. It prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil, though it can tolerate poor soils, clay, and even rocky ground. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant and also highly resistant to salt spray and strong winds, making it ideal for coastal planting. Regular watering is needed during its first couple of summers to help it establish, but after that, natural rainfall is usually enough. Pōhutukawa benefits from an occasional light trim if shaping is needed, preferably after flowering, though mature trees often need little to no pruning. It’s a good idea to mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk. Feeding is rarely necessary, but a general-purpose fertiliser in spring can encourage lush growth, especially for younger or potted plants.

Metrosideros fulgens for sale

The Plant Company has the best Metrosideros fulgens trees for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your tree and plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!