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| Metrosideros ‘Springfire’ |
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‘Springfire’, as the name implies
has its main flowering in Spring time. In gardens in Australia and New Zealand where we
have seen ‘Springfire’, it flowers very heavily, covering the
bush completely with characteristic Metrosideros-shaped flowers in a brilliant orange-red.
Our garden plants flower for us regularly and give a tremendous show drawing in lots of
honey eating birds, insects and butterflies.
Metrosideros ‘Springfire’ has a lot to offer. In ‘Springfire’ we have a very versatile plant that will grow in most areas of Australia. ‘Springfire’ is available in quantity only from Redlands Nursery Pty Ltd at this time. We are pleased to bring it to you for introduction into the parks and gardens of Australia. |
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‘Springfire’ is an excellent
garden plant in sunny to semi-shaded positions. It is tolerant of most soil types, but
will not grow in over-wet conditions. Another excellent use is as a patio pot plant for
use on a patio or near a pool.
Another outstanding use for ‘Springfire’ is as a hedge plant. The hedge can be trimmed to almost any height over half a metre and up to one and a half metres. If untrimmed, the eventual height would be up to 3 metres with a spread of 3 metres. |
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Most Metrosideros are natives of New Zealand. ‘Springfire’
is a selection made by a New South Wales Nurseryman some years ago. However, it was never
grown commercially until it was taken back to New Zealand by an Auckland Nurseryman. Metrosideros
collinus from which ‘Springfire’ is a selection is native
to the Hawaiian Islands.
It proved to be successful on the New Zealand market when it was released there several years ago. After seeing some of these excellent plants, we imported plants and now offer to the Australian market, a range of sizes for our customers. |
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In a patio pot attention to watering is important. It is
necessary to fertilise twice during the year with a balanced slow release fertiliser.
Metrosideros are resistant to salt water spray so are especially well adapted to planting
by the seaside. Mulching is beneficial to keep roots cool and moist.
Pruning of ‘Springfire’ to help it to the desired size is best carried out after flowering in late Spring. |
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AUSTRALIA PBR GRANTED: NOTE: Unauthorised commercial propagation or sale of propagating material of plants with Plant Breeders Rights is an infringement under the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994. Copyright 2000 ©This information has been prepared by Redlands Nursery to assist gardeners. It is intended as a guide only. |
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