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
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 GB / Ireland
- 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
- Plant range
- New Zealand
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
Get involved
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