Knightia excelsa
New Zealand honeysuckle
An evergreen tree with a narrowly conical habit, up to 30m high in its native environment but usually only 8-10m in cultivation. Young shoots are covered with red-brown felt, and young leaves are narrow and yellow-green, with coarsely serrated edges. Mature leaves are dark green, stiff and oblong-shaped. Dense spikes of small reddish flowers, with rolled petals and long styles, are produced from late spring to early summer, followed by woody brown seed pods
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
A genus of evergreen trees native to New Zealand with leathery, toothed leaves and long, bright red flowers. Commonly known as 'Rewarewa', a Māori term, the flowers are a source of honey production
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds. Some drought tolerance once established; will not tolerate waterlogging. Needs frost protection when young. A striking specimen tree for warmer regions
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; cuttings require bottom heat and may be slow to root
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to thrips
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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