Metrosideros ‘Cherry Red’ (Metrosideros polymorpha)
Bursts of bright red
flowers appear from spring
to early summer on this
Hawaiian native shrub. This
outstanding hybrid, created
by Maui Native Nursery, is
perfect for container growing
since it has a compact and
dense form. The flowers,
which consist of many stamens,
have a soft brush-like appearance, and the plant is somewhat slow growing
and quite adaptable although it prefers full sun. The foliage has a silvery tone
especially on the young growth and the plant has the ability to adapt to poorer
soils and dry conditions which make it a good candidate for bonsai or restricted
pot culture. In Hawaii, it’s called ‘Ohi’a lehua.