{"product_id":"mgol7-5","title":"5x Metrosideros Gold Beacon - $5.99 each","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2em;\"\u003eMetrosideros umbellata ‘Gold Beacon’ – Golden Rātā\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv\u003e\r\n\u003cdiv\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Rātā, Golden Southern Rātā\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Myrtaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Zealand (cultivated selection of Southern Rātā)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen native tree\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMetrosideros umbellata\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Gold Beacon’ is a distinctive golden-flowering form of New Zealand's Southern Rātā, prized for its unusual yellow blooms and attractive evergreen foliage. Unlike the traditional red-flowering Southern Rātā, this selection produces beautiful golden-yellow flowers, creating a striking display during summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally slow-growing and hardy, Golden Rātā develops into an attractive small to medium-sized tree, making it an excellent feature for native gardens, larger landscapes, and naturalistic plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, leathery, dark green evergreen leaves, providing year-round colour and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers \/ Fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Distinctive golden-yellow, brush-like flowers appearing in summer, particularly on mature plants. Nectar-rich flowers attract native birds and pollinating insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm \u0026amp; Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow-growing, upright tree developing a branching, spreading crown with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow, gradually developing into an attractive specimen tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Ecological Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e A distinctive selection of New Zealand's native Southern Rātā, valued for its unusual flower colour and contribution to native biodiversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eMature Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003ctable\u003e\r\n\u003ctbody\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eHeight\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003e4–6 m\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eWidth\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003e2–3 m\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eUpright, spreading with age\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\r\n\u003c\/table\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003ctable\u003e\r\n\u003ctbody\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRequirement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eSunlight\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to partial shade\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eWell-drained, preferably moisture-retentive soil\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eWatering\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eRegular watering during establishment; avoid prolonged drought\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eFrost Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eGood; hardy in cool climates once established\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eWind Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eGood once established\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eCoastal Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable for some coastal environments, particularly with protection while young\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003ctd\u003eLow\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\r\n\u003c\/table\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eLandscaping \u0026amp; Garden Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature Tree:\u003c\/strong\u003e An attractive specimen with unusual golden-yellow summer flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Gardens:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adds diversity and seasonal interest to native planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoodland Plantings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for naturalistic gardens and larger mixed native plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Gardens:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nectar-rich flowers provide a food source for native birds and insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCool-Climate Landscapes:\u003c\/strong\u003e A useful native tree for suitable cooler environments where good drainage and adequate moisture are available.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally requires little pruning. Lightly trim to maintain shape or remove damaged branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during establishment, particularly in poorer soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePests \u0026amp; Diseases:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally hardy, although good plant health and airflow help reduce disease problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in a well-drained position with adequate room for long-term development. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid allowing the root zone to become excessively dry, particularly while plants are young.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs a naturally slow-growing tree, Golden Rātā requires patience, but its unusual flowers and attractive form make it a rewarding long-term addition to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFun Fact \/ Botanical Insight\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Rātā is a rare yellow-flowering selection of Southern Rātā (\u003cem\u003eMetrosideros umbellata\u003c\/em\u003e), a species traditionally recognised for its spectacular crimson flowers. ‘Gold Beacon’ is associated with the Otira Gorge area of New Zealand's South Island, making it a particularly interesting native selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose Metrosideros ‘Gold Beacon’?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Rātā offers a distinctive alternative to traditional red-flowering rātā. Its beautiful golden-yellow flowers, evergreen foliage, and hardy nature make it a valuable feature tree for native landscapes. Although slow-growing, it rewards patience with a unique and colourful flowering display.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePot Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e\r\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Golden Rata","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":45943629840450,"sku":"MET-GOL-7-5","price":29.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/4545\/files\/Metrosideros_Gold_Flwer_RXBKANXSI5NN_da321f06-9a5d-431d-8673-ea782239deb1.jpg?v=1794284268","url":"https:\/\/greenmachine.nz\/products\/mgol7-5","provider":"Greenmachine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}