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| Metrosideros ‘Tahiti’ |
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‘Tahiti’ is selected from M. villosus for its free flowering habit. Scattered flowers appear on the bush through much of the year with the heaviest flower in August, September and October. During flowering butterflies, birds and insects are attracted to the attractive orange/scarlet blooms which appear in masses of puffs covering the bush. |
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It is a good garden or tub plant.
Metrosideros generally are resistant to salt spray so are especially useful in seaside plantings. They succeed best in sunny locations in well draining reasonably fertile moist soils. ‘Tahiti’ is excellent for large pots on patios, terraces and around pools or on steps. It will grow up to 1m high and 1m wide in garden beds to its liking. |
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Metrosideros villosus ‘Tahiti’
is a dwarf member of Metrosideros which in turn is a member of the myrtle family.
The name comes from the Greek, metra, heart of a tree and sideros, iron.
‘Tahiti’ is a selection from Metrosideros villosus (syn. M. kermadecensis) coming from the Kermadec islands of New Zealand. |
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‘Tahiti’ needs care in its early
life. Mulching is beneficial to help keep the root zone cool and moist.
A well balanced fertiliser applied in Spring and late Summer is beneficial. After flowering seed sets prolifically. This is not a problem in that little if any germinates but it does impede the growth of the plant. In young plants in particular it is good practice to prune these seed heads and discard them. Good new growth quickly shoots from the stems. We have not seen any real problems in growing ‘Tahiti’. It seems to be free from pests and diseases. We recommend it for this reason. |
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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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