How to Grow Scarlet Shower
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Scarlet Shower
Metrosideros polymorpha var. polymorpha
treeScarlet Shower is a tropical flowering tree native to Hawaii, known for its stunning bright red, crimson, or orange bottlebrush-like flower clusters that appear in spring and summer. The tree features leathery, dark green foliage and produces showy stamens that give it its distinctive 'shower' appearance. It grows as a medium to large evergreen tree that adds dramatic color and tropical flair to landscapes.
When should you plant Scarlet Shower in your zone?
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Example Scarlet Shower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Shower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Scarlet Shower
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Shower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; frost-sensitive and requires warm tropical or subtropical climates
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Get my Scarlet Shower timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
6-12 monthsYoung tree with tender growth, small opposite leaflets, and delicate branch structure
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide shelter from strong winds and intense sun exposure. Use well-draining potting mix if container-growing.
Juvenile Growth
1-2 yearsTree developing main trunk and branching structure; foliage becomes increasingly leathery and dark green
Establish regular deep watering. Prune to shape desired form. Protect from frost and harsh weather. Begin light fertilization.
Pre-Flowering
1-2 yearsTree reaches 6-15 feet tall with mature branch structure; dense foliage but no flower buds yet
Continue regular watering and fertilization. Prune lower branches if desired. Ensure adequate sunlight exposure for flowering initiation.
Flowering
4-8 monthsSpectacular bright red, crimson, or orange bottlebrush-like flower clusters appear at branch tips; blooms typically spring through summer
Maintain consistent moisture during blooming period. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization which promotes foliage over flowers. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
Fruiting & Maturity
Ongoing once maturity reachedSmall capsular fruits develop after flowers fade; tree reaches full ornamental mature size with dense canopy
Allow seeds to develop if propagation desired. Maintain shape with selective pruning. Continue regular care and monitoring.
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity with regular misting; use miticide spray if severe
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Prune heavily infested branches; apply neem oil or horticultural oil
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; manually remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs
Uses
Tropical Landscaping Accent
OrnamentalScarlet Shower serves as a stunning focal point in tropical and subtropical gardens, providing dramatic red flowering displays that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Its showy bottlebrush flowers make it ideal for creating visual drama in warm-climate landscapes. [source]
Pollinator & Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and native Hawaiian birds, supporting local ecosystems and providing natural bird-watching opportunities. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flowers are edible and can be used as garnishes for tropical drinks and desserts, adding both visual appeal and a subtle floral flavor to culinary creations. [source]
Hawaiian Significance
CulturalNative to Hawaii, Scarlet Shower (Ohia) holds cultural importance in Hawaiian traditions and is deeply connected to Hawaiian mythology and ecological heritage. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested in the traditional sense. Enjoy flowers for ornamental display. Cut flower clusters for fresh arrangements; they last 1-2 weeks in water. Collect seeds from developed fruit pods for propagation by air-layering or seed propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Shower (Ohia lehua) is Hawaii's official state tree and is sacred in Hawaiian culture, with legends attributing its varied flower colors to Pele, the volcano goddess.
- 🌱 The tree's flowers change color from red to yellow as they mature on the same inflorescence, creating a beautiful gradient effect.
- 🌱 Scarlet Shower is extremely hardy and can grow in harsh volcanic soil with minimal nutrients, making it one of the first colonizers on new lava flows in Hawaii.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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