Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Red and Gold'
25th October 2009
I am always amazed at the way plants come round again. I was growing a number of Metrosideros decades ago, and the winter of 1987
finished them off, but here I am again. There are a couple of variegated forms that I would still like to replace (after a suitable period of sulkiness
about their unfortunate departure). This one was in a rather shaded greenhouse to help it through the winter, and it has responded with an emphatic
reminder that it prefers full sun (by dropping leaves down one side) and I will take the hint and move it.
I have seen a couple of dead specimens of the hardier species outside recently so although I am growing it, I am not expecting it to be tough enough
for the garden.