Metrosideros little dugald

Description:
Metrosideros collina 'Little Dugald' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its dense, glossy green foliage and vibrant red, bottlebrush-like flowers. Its moderate size and hardy nature make it ideal for hedging, borders, or as a standout specimen in garden beds and containers. This resilient plant is well-suited to coastal gardens, thriving in full sun and tolerating salt and wind exposure.

Flowers:
From late spring to the end of summer, 'Little Dugald' produces an abundance of bright red flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds. The flowers are shaped like small bottlebrushes, adding striking color and texture to the landscape during the blooming season.

Foliage:
This plant has dense, evergreen foliage made up of small, glossy green leaves that create a lush backdrop throughout the year. The foliage provides a consistent, vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the red blooms.

Fruit:
Not known for any notable fruiting characteristics.

Form and Size:
'Little Dugald' maintains a compact, bushy growth habit, typically reaching 1 to 2 meters in height and spreading up to 1 meter wide. Its tidy, rounded form makes it a good choice for formal and informal hedges or as a standalone specimen.

Growing Conditions:
Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is adaptable to a range of soil types as long as they are well-draining. This variety is drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. It can also withstand light frosts, coastal winds, and salt spray, making it an excellent option for exposed or coastal locations.

Uses:
'Little Dugald' is versatile in landscaping, often used as a low to medium-sized hedge, border, or container plant. Its dense foliage and moderate size make it well-suited for hedging, while its vibrant flowers make it an attractive choice as a specimen plant. It also attracts wildlife, providing nectar for birds and acting as shelter for small animals.

Maintenance:
This variety is low-maintenance, requiring only light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy foliage and abundant flowering.

Notes:
With its vibrant red blooms and hardy nature, Metrosideros collina 'Little Dugald' adds both color and structure to garden landscapes. Its tolerance to coastal conditions and low water requirements make it ideal for Australian climates, especially in coastal areas.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other hardy coastal plants such as Westringia, Leucophyta brownii (Cushion Bush), and Grevillea varieties. It also complements grasses and other native shrubs, enhancing the diversity and texture of garden designs.

Common Name: Little Dugald
Botanical Name: Metrosideros collina 'Little Dugald'
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Pacific Islands

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