Metrosideros umbellata

kata

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by kata »

If I was going to spend 15 quid on a shrub then it would have to be the red...beautiful Mike!!

They do have a red Mike

METROSIDEROS excelsa 'Parnell' icon_cheers icon_cheers but not till April.
Rod

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by Rod »

This is a variety we grow here in Christchurch.
It is a natural hybrid between M.excelsa & M.umbellata
Attachments
METROSIDEROS Maungapiko.jpg
kata

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by kata »

They're lovely Rod !

icon_cheers icon_cheers
LONGK

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by LONGK »

My pot grown (60cm) specimen is bearing up well in the light frosts we've had. I'm holding off bringing it under cover as long as I dare, as the house move seems likely (next Feb?) and I have just the spot lined up for it - an eight foot south facing wall. Two Clianthus puniceus (red and white) to go with it, plus maybe my Polygala myrtifolia (which continues to flower despite the frost).
Nigel Fear

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by Nigel Fear »

Rod wrote:

Hi Nigel - Metrosideros excelsa is more frost tender than the other 2x main forms found here in New Zealand ( M.umbellata and M.robusta )
These 2x should take down to -6° to -7°c when larger and established in the ground.
M.excelsa is only hardy down to -4°c
Thanks Rod, was a long time ago now, when I had my M. Excelsa [or should I say ex-excelsa], it had the silvery sheen to the leaves, but I'll loook out for one of the other forms.
Interesting that bit you said about sourcing a plant derived from cuttings with flowers attached, to ensure flowering I'll try doing that.
Rod

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by Rod »

Nigel Fear wrote:
Rod wrote:

Hi Nigel - Metrosideros excelsa is more frost tender than the other 2x main forms found here in New Zealand ( M.umbellata and M.robusta )
These 2x should take down to -6° to -7°c when larger and established in the ground.
M.excelsa is only hardy down to -4°c
Thanks Rod, was a long time ago now, when I had my M. Excelsa [or should I say ex-excelsa], it had the silvery sheen to the leaves, but I'll loook out for one of the other forms.
Interesting that bit you said about sourcing a plant derived from cuttings with flowers attached, to ensure flowering I'll try doing that.
Hi Nigel - Yeah because of the fact that they take very long to flower from seed, all the garden centres propagate them via cutting to ensure instant flowering upon purchase. ( People are more likely to buy them )
I will be going down to my local garden centre during this month, and i will take a picture of some in pots in flower to show you.
Rod

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by Rod »

Heres my small 16 inch tall, cutting grown Metrosideros 'maungapiko ( M.excelsa x M.umbellata ) It will be flowering in a week or two.

The last photo is of a Metrosideros umbellata growing 465km off the southern coast of New Zealand at latitude 50°43' south
Attachments
Metrosideros ( Excelsa x Umbellata ) - EDITED.jpg
Metrosideros umbellata_Auckland Islands_At_50°43's_latitude.jpg
Nigel Fear

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by Nigel Fear »

Very nice Rod, makes me all the more determined to grow one. 8)
Rod

Re: Metrosideros umbellata

Post by Rod »

Metrosideros umbellata see's temperatures down to -10°c in the Arthurs Pass region of New Zealand.
Post Reply