Metrosideros Species, Lehua
Metrosiderospolymorpha

Family: Myrtaceae (mir-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Metrosideros (met-roh-SID-er-oss)
Species: polymorpha (pol-ee-MOR-fuh)

Synonym:Metrosideros collina subsp. polymorpha

Synonym:Metrosideros polymorpha var. macrostemon

Synonym:Nania polymorpha

Category
Shrubs
Trees
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Evergreen
Provides Winter Interest
Succulent

Foliage Color
Bronze
Blue-Green
Orange/Apricot

Height
over 40 ft. (12 m)

Spacing
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
Pink
Red
Orange
Pale Yellow
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for drying and preserving
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Late Fall/Early Winter

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible