METROSIDEROS 'Thomasii'

Beautiful variety of Metrosideros robustus, perennial and evergreen, with a shrub, and sometimes arboreal, rapid growth and Australian origins: it can exceed 5 m in height and 3 m in width at its maximum development. Well branched and lignified from the base, it has erect stems that then curve upwards softly towards the outside giving the shrub an airy and globular aspect; on these there are, oppositely arranged, ovate-lanceolate, leathery leaves with acute apex and slightly wrinkled edge, grey-green in color and velvety to the touch. In late spring, in the terminal portions of the branches, abundant globose inflorescences appear like down, composed of simplified flowers reduced to only the male and female sexual organs, stamens and pistils, with a strong flame red color, from which the popular name attributed to this plant in Australia of "fire tree", or "fire tree". It prefers bright and sunny positions and adapts to any soil as long as it is free from dangerous stagnation of water. It tolerates the typical saltiness of sea winds in coastal areas and manages to overcome periods of even intense and prolonged drought. It bears temperatures only a few degrees below zero, therefore in regions characterized by intense and prolonged cold we recommend cultivation in pots so as to be able to offer it shelter in a cool and bright place in winter. In spring dry, damaged or cluttered parts should be removed and perhaps the more developed branches should be shortened to restore a regular, harmonious shape to the plant and stimulate its compact growth and more abundant flowering. It can be grown on terraces and balconies, as long as the availability of large pots and containers and perfect drainage are guaranteed; in the garden it is perfect as a large isolated spot or to create, by arranging them in sequence, hedges of simple maintenance, of great decorative effect and of sure originality.

It prefers bright and sunny positions and adapts to any soil as long as it is free from dangerous stagnation of water. It tolerates the typical saltiness of sea winds in coastal areas and manages to overcome periods of even intense and prolonged drought. It bears temperatures only a few degrees below zero, therefore in regions characterized by intense and prolonged cold we recommend cultivation in pots so as to be able to offer it shelter in a cool and bright place in winter. In spring dry, damaged or cluttered parts should be removed and perhaps the more developed branches should be shortened to restore a regular, harmonious shape to the plant and stimulate its compact growth and more abundant flowering. It can be grown on terraces and balconies, as long as the availability of large pots and containers and perfect drainage are guaranteed; in the garden it is perfect as a large isolated spot or to create, by arranging them in sequence, hedges of simple maintenance, of great decorative effect and of sure originality.