Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Myrtaceae

Genus:

Metrosideros

Species:

Metrosideros rugosa

USDA Symbol:

MERU2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

red

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire or damage, typical of Hawaiian Metrosideros species.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained volcanic soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to volcanic slopes, prefers open, sunny areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds are very fine and require light for germination; surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI