Vibrant crimson, small powderpuff-like flowers are borne on ends of red-stemmed branches and bright green glossy foliage.
Available in AustraliaAvailable in New ZealandFind a Retailer
Metrosideros Firebird 'Red Baby' is a hardy, trunked shrub that forms glossy dark green foliage, with bright red new growth. During Spring and Summer, 'Red Baby' blooms small but spectacular crimson pincushion flowers consisting of fluffy stamens. This is an excellent small shrub for bird lovers.
Growing up to 1.5m high and 2m wide, 'Red Baby' is an ideal small hedge or mid-tier shrub in the sunny garden landscape. Metrosideros Firebirds can also be planted in large garden pots with moisture retaining media.
Metrosideros is easy to grow over most of coastal Australia without risk of frost. Plant in sunny well-draining garden beds with added humus dug in. Mulch well at planting. Once established little supplementary watering is needed except in extremely dry periods. Flowers develop on the ends of branches, so trim only if needed to retain the colour show. Heavy pruning can be carried out at any time throughout Summer after the flowering slows. Fertilise only during Spring and Summer with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser.
'Crimson Glory' and 'Red Baby' were selected from an intensive breeding program by Mr Terry Keogh of Victoria Point, Queensland, using Metrosideros collina from Hawaii and Metrosideros villosa from New Zealand, achieving the smaller growth habits of the Firebird series.
Wear gloves & wash hands after gardening.
