Metrosideros excelsa. 'Royal Crimson'

The iconic Pohutukawa is well known around coastal New Zealand. Over time it forms a broad spreading tree with gnarled trunks and branches. The leathery leaves are light grey-green above, with dense white hairs below. This selection was chosen by Graham Platt for it's very showy clusters of vibrant rich red flowers which cover the tree in early summer. It grows best by the coast in areas that only get light frosts. Very hardy to dry conditions once established. Will form multiple trunks, unless these are removed.