Metrosideros excelsa

Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 22 April 2008 in Plants & Nature.

Acquisition of last weekend, we couldn't resist. A Gondwana plant will always find a place on our balcony. As we've learned, Metrosideros is easy to grow and resistant to pests. Then it has these awesome flowers... how much is it, Sir...?

Comments (7)

MaryB from Staffordshire, United Kingdom

I wouldn't have been able to have resisted this either MS, it's a wonderful plant. I will have to see if it is available here, it would make a great addition to the garden (which is under construction at the moment)

22 Apr 2008 8:44am

@MaryB: Having a garden is one big item on our to do list - our balcony is full and resembles a jungle now :-)
BTW, Metrosideros is not frost-resistant, so you might plant it in a tub and overwinter it at a cool (10°C) and bright location indoors - as we already do with our Hibiscus.

Steven from Chicagoland, United States

Beautiful capture of an interesting looking "flower" with such vivid colos! Thanks for sharing!

22 Apr 2008 9:03am

@Steven: The leaves are silver-green; a definite eyecatcher.

Tracey from White Hall, United States

WOW! I've never seen anything like it! The red is so....red! Ahhh, my friend...the detail and sharpness of this one is 5 stars!

22 Apr 2008 12:38pm

@Tracey: Awww, thank you so much!!! :-)

Michael from Wuppertal, Germany

Das ist ja wohl eine einmalige Pflanze! Gefällt mir- wär das auch was fürn Garten?

22 Apr 2008 2:17pm

@Michael: Er mag keinen Frost. Wenn Du ihn im Kübel läßt und im Winter kühl (Treppenhaus?) überwinterst, wird's klappen.

Margie from Auckland, New Zealand

Beautiful! I love pohutukawas! How strange to think of the "New Zealand Christmas tree" growing in Germany! They make a stunning show along the coast here in December.

22 Apr 2008 4:53pm

@Margie: *lol* It's a small world! I'm a big fan of austral flora, so you won't be surprised that I own a Wollemi pine too :-) (And, of course, ferns. Many ferns.)