Spring Fire New Zealand Christmas Bush

Spring Fire New Zealand Christmas Bush (Metrosideros 'Spring Fire') is a tall, slim evergreen that grows to about 5m high and 2m wide, with soft lime green new growth over large dark green leaves. Fluffy orange-red pincushion flowers open in spring and again on and off through the year. It makes a very good privacy hedge or screen, particularly near the coast, where it takes wind and salt in its stride.

Why you'll love it

• Two greens in one plant. Bright lime green new growth sits over large, dark green leaves, so the plant looks fresh all year.
• Flowers in spring and beyond. Fluffy orange-red pincushion flowers open in spring and intermittently through the year, and the nectar draws birds.
• Salt and wind tolerant. It copes with coastal wind and salt spray, which makes it a good choice for sea-side planting.
• Slower than other metrosideros. Slower growth means less clipping once it is established.
• Tall and slim. At 5m by 2m it screens a boundary without eating into the garden.

Where it works best

Privacy screens and hedges. Plant 1.2m apart in a single row for a tall, slim screen that closes up over a few seasons. Clip to keep it lower if you prefer.

Coastal gardens and windbreaks. Salt wind and spray that burn most foliage pass it by, so it suits the exposed side of a seaside property.

Specimen planting. On its own it makes an eye-catching feature. Site it away from pipework, because the roots can be troublesome.

Growing Spring Fire New Zealand Christmas Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the richest foliage colour and the most flowers, though it tolerates part shade. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It might survive a light frost, but it is not a plant for hard frost.

Soil. Free-draining clay loams or sandy soil, with a neutral to acid pH. It thrives where drainage is good and dislikes sitting wet.

Water and feed. Water well while it establishes. Fertilise with a native-plant fertiliser early in spring and at planting.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering, or clip to maintain a lower hedge height. Because it grows more slowly than other metrosideros, it needs less clipping.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Spring Fire New Zealand Christmas Bush as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A tube is the economical way to plant a long screen. Plant out soon after arrival in a sunny spot, mulch, and water in well.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• NZ Christmas bush and metrosideros
• Hedging and screening plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• The metrosideros care guide

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 1.2m apart in a single row. With a mature width of about 2m, the plants merge into a tall, slim screen.

Can I plant it near pipes or paving?

Site it away from pipework, because the roots can be troublesome. Give it clear ground, away from drains and foundations.

When does it flower?

The main show is in spring, with flowers appearing intermittently through the rest of the year.