5x Southern Rata
Metrosideros umbellata
Common Names: Southern Rātā, Rātā
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen Tree
Overview:
Metrosideros umbellata, commonly known as Southern Rātā, is a majestic native tree celebrated for its brilliant crimson summer flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. Found naturally throughout the South Island, especially in cooler, high-rainfall regions, it brings a classic “NZ bush” feel to gardens and landscapes while providing valuable habitat for native wildlife.
Key Features:
Foliage: Small, leathery, glossy dark green leaves with a tidy, dense appearance
Flowers / Fruit: Masses of vivid red brush-like flowers in summer; highly attractive to tūī, bellbirds, and pollinators
Form & Habit: Upright, eventually forming a broad, rounded canopy; can start as a shrub before developing into a tree
Growth Rate: Moderate
Cultural & Ecological Value: Important native species supporting birdlife; iconic component of southern forests
Mature Size:
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 10–15m (can be smaller in exposed sites) |
| Spread | 5–10m |
| Form | Upright tree with spreading canopy |
Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture |
| Soil | Free-draining but moisture-retentive soils |
| pH Range | Slightly acidic to neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate–high; tolerates cool climates well |
Landscaping & Garden Uses:
- Feature tree for larger gardens and lifestyle blocks
- Excellent for revegetation and native restoration planting
- Suitable for coastal and high rainfall environments
- Can be used in shelterbelts in milder sites
Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Minimal; shape when young if required
Watering: Keep well-watered during establishment
Feeding: Generally not required in good soils
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy; watch for pōhutukawa psyllid in some areas
Additional Tips:
Prefers cooler climates and performs especially well in southern regions like Southland and the West Coast. Shelter from harsh, drying winds when young for best establishment.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:
Unlike the northern pōhutukawa, Southern Rātā often begins life as an epiphyte high in the forest canopy before sending roots down to the ground and eventually becoming a massive standalone tree.
Why Choose Metrosideros umbellata?
For a true native statement tree with seasonal impact, ecological value, and strong ties to New Zealand’s natural landscapes, Southern Rātā is hard to beat.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Original: $20.81
-65%$20.81
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Description
Metrosideros umbellata
Common Names: Southern Rātā, Rātā
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen Tree
Overview:
Metrosideros umbellata, commonly known as Southern Rātā, is a majestic native tree celebrated for its brilliant crimson summer flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. Found naturally throughout the South Island, especially in cooler, high-rainfall regions, it brings a classic “NZ bush” feel to gardens and landscapes while providing valuable habitat for native wildlife.
Key Features:
Foliage: Small, leathery, glossy dark green leaves with a tidy, dense appearance
Flowers / Fruit: Masses of vivid red brush-like flowers in summer; highly attractive to tūī, bellbirds, and pollinators
Form & Habit: Upright, eventually forming a broad, rounded canopy; can start as a shrub before developing into a tree
Growth Rate: Moderate
Cultural & Ecological Value: Important native species supporting birdlife; iconic component of southern forests
Mature Size:
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 10–15m (can be smaller in exposed sites) |
| Spread | 5–10m |
| Form | Upright tree with spreading canopy |
Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture |
| Soil | Free-draining but moisture-retentive soils |
| pH Range | Slightly acidic to neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate–high; tolerates cool climates well |
Landscaping & Garden Uses:
- Feature tree for larger gardens and lifestyle blocks
- Excellent for revegetation and native restoration planting
- Suitable for coastal and high rainfall environments
- Can be used in shelterbelts in milder sites
Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Minimal; shape when young if required
Watering: Keep well-watered during establishment
Feeding: Generally not required in good soils
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy; watch for pōhutukawa psyllid in some areas
Additional Tips:
Prefers cooler climates and performs especially well in southern regions like Southland and the West Coast. Shelter from harsh, drying winds when young for best establishment.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:
Unlike the northern pōhutukawa, Southern Rātā often begins life as an epiphyte high in the forest canopy before sending roots down to the ground and eventually becoming a massive standalone tree.
Why Choose Metrosideros umbellata?
For a true native statement tree with seasonal impact, ecological value, and strong ties to New Zealand’s natural landscapes, Southern Rātā is hard to beat.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.