When grown from seed, Metrosideros carminea will cling to a support, growing in a similar way to ivy, to reach higher light levels (up to10m+), sending out short adventitious roots to adhere to the trunks of host trees or structures, penetrating and clinging to rough surfaces. Once there it develops its adult foliage and flowers.
However, when propagated as an adult plant it forms a low growing spreading shrub to 1m, with small shiny green leaves on stiff branchlets. Usually these are marketed under the names 'Red Carpet, 'Ferris Wheel' or 'Carousel'.
Masses of stunningly bright carmine flowers appear in spring. It is said to give off an incredible scent that mimics the smell of fish and chips!
It is not as hardy as its close cousin Metrosideros perforata or 'white climbing rātā' as it prefers a sheltered position to start life, feet in the shade and head in the sun and is rather frost tender. Will cascade over rocks or walls.
It occurs in coastal lowland forest from Te Paki in the north, south to Mahia Penninsula and Taranaki.