Metrosideros kermadecensis Aureomarginata

Metrosideros excelsa 'Aureomarginata' (Las Cunas), more commonly known as Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata', is a selection of New Zealand Christmas tree, or "pohutukawa", interesting for its beautiful variegated foliage in light yellow, as well as its improved cold resistance. In the ground, in our latitudes, it slowly forms a small tree with a regular habit, appreciated for its striking flowering, with large clusters of scarlet stamens appearing in late spring and early summer. Metrosideros can also be a magnificent specimen planted in a large pot on a patio or even indoors in cold climates. It will maintain a modest size, no more than 2m (7ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width.

The genus Metrosideros belongs to the Myrtaceae family, like myrtles, eucalyptus, and callistemon. Its name comes from the Greek word "metra", meaning the heart of a tree, and "sideros", meaning iron, alluding to the hardness of the wood of these plants. Its vernacular name, New Zealand Christmas tree, originates from its flowering period, which occurs around Christmas time in its country of origin. There, this large and beautiful tree can reach heights of up to 20m (66ft). It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil and dislikes the presence of limestone. The hybrid form 'Variegata' can withstand temperatures as low as -4 to -5°C (24.8 to 23°F) at its coldest. It is also drought-resistant.

When grown in pots, its habit is bushy, rather spreading, and barely arborescent. Its naturally ramified growth is slow. Its rather corky bark is grey-brown in colour. Over time, aerial roots may appear at the base of the very stout trunk, as well as along its entire length and on the knotty branches. The branches bear entire, ovate, leathery leaves with a slightly undulated edge, dark grey-green in colour, randomly maculated and/or bordered with yellow, and almost white and velvety on the underside. They measure 5 to 6cm (2in) in length and 2 to 3cm (1in) in width. Flowering mainly occurs from June to July. At the tips of the branches, clusters of beautiful flowers appear, composed of numerous 3cm (1in) long red stamens, forming large scarlet pompoms. They are nectar-rich and attract certain birds and numerous pollinating insects. The seeds take a year to mature. The root system of this plant is well-developed. Aerial roots can penetrate the ground, forming a small tree with multiple trunks.

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a beautiful exotic bush to be grown as a conservatory plant where it will live for many years. In a greenhouse or conservatory, it will create an extremely decorative duo with a Tibouchina or a mimosa. To complete an exotic décor, also consider palm trees, Banksia integrifolia, and callistemons. In the most protected sites, it can be grown in the ground. It is not afraid of strong winds or salt and withstands water scarcity well.