PlantFiles: New Zealand Christmas Tree, Common Pohutakawa, Pohutukawa Tree
Metrosideros excelsa

Zone 9b Coastal Otago, New Zealand
We are strictly speaking outside the natural range of this tree, but it takes our conditions quite happily and has been extensively planted along the harbour here.
Hardier than you might think, my trees were under 2m when we were hit with a -5C frost, the worst here in 12 years, and they sustained only very light leaf scorch, with flowering being unaffected. Once over this size they will take anything but a major, lengthy soil freeze.
Can take any wind you throw at it, gaining a more interesting form when exposed to the elements, though they put on height a lot more quickly with shelter. The species is hardier than the fancy cultivars, which tend to be crosses involving the more tender Pacific island Metrosideros.
Birds enjoy the nectar. The pruned wood is great fuel for smoking fish and meat etc. It is easily reproduced from cuttings.
Will grow on nasty clay hillsides right down to the water's edge, where it looks particularly lovely against the sea with its profuse red flowers in Summer (Xmas here in NZ) Such a beautiful tree requiring so little attention.
Heavily predated here by the introduced Brushtail Possum pest species and currently endangered. Would definitely protect from flower/bud-munching species overseas.

This is very common here in NZ of course. Grows well along coast-lines in wind and salt spray. Trunk is ruddy and gnarly looking. Beautiful colour at various times.

An upright, evergreen tree from New Zealand.

Has elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves, felted white beneath. Bears bright red flowers all packed in and looks very much like a bottle brush (Callistemon) flower.

Flowers June-August but indoors may flower later.

Likes a moist, well drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun and a sheltered position.

Not fully hardy and recommended as a conservatory plant in frost prone areas. May survive a minimum temperature of 32F.

Pruning is highly recommended as this tree can grow upto 70ft tall with a possible spread of 40 ft. Prune in February - late March, cut back crossing shoots and can be cut back quite hard.