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.