Metrosideros umbellata Moonlight = 'Lowmoo'
Southern rata, Christmas tree
Also known as Metrosideros Moonlight = 'Lowmoo', Metrosideros 'Moonlight'
- Height × spread
- 8m × 4.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A compact and slow-growing shrubby plant that has striking leaves. These are long and pointed, often lance shaped with variable gold areas across their centre, sometimes more blotched, in other cases extending to most of the leaf area which is otherwise coloured in shades of bright or dark green. The variation in the foliage details makes for considerable visual interest when closely examined. When it has matured it flowers on and off for several months in summer, producing small scarlet powder-puff lookalike blooms. This should be given a cool moist position as it likes plenty of moisture. It is hardy enough to survive outside in the warmer, wetter parts of the UK, and is found in gardens in Ireland as well as Logan Botanic Garden in Scotland. It can be pruned for growing in containers if needed. General care: If grown in a greenhouse or conservatory prune to size if needed. Feed monthly whilst in growth with general purpose fertiliser. Water regularly in summer when in growth, but just give the occasional watering in winter to prevent the soil desiccating.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 4.5m
- Height in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 0.8m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural, Architectural
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water until well established
Until well established, plants in the ground should be watered deeply at regular intervals after a dry period. This is likely to be 1 and 2 weeks without rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.