Leptospermum scoparium (Tea Tree)

Leptospermum scoparium (Tea Tree) is an upright evergreen shrub with small, aromatic (when crushed), needle-like leaves and showy flowers in late spring and summer. Borne along the stems, the blooms may be single or double, in shades of red, pink, or white depending on the varieties. Attractive to bees, they give way to small woody capsules containing tiny seeds, that hang on for a long time after the petals drop. Native to Australia and New Zealand, this shrub adds ornamental appeal to the landscape year-round.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm).
• Easily grown in acidic, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Young plants appreciate consistently moist soil, but established plants prefer moderate but even moisture. Tolerance for drought and poor soil makes this plant suitable for cultivation in dry Mediterranean climates.
• Deer resistant
• Great for beds and borders, coastal gardens, Mediterranean gardens, gravel and rock gardens, or containers.
• Virtually disease and pest free. Root rot may occur in overly moist soils.
• Propagate by seed (species) or semi-hardwood cuttings (cultivars)
• Minimal pruning required. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier, more floriferous growth. Never cut into bare wood as new growth is unlikely to sprout.
• Main cultivars include:
  Apple Blossom – Double light pink flowers. 8 ft. tall and wide (240 cm)
  Burgundy Queen – Dark burgundy double flowers. Upright, dense shrub to 12 ft. tall (3.6 m) and 10 ft. wide (3 m)
  Red Damask – Deep red, fully double flowers. Dense medium-sized shrub to 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.5 m)
  Helene Strybing – Single, deep pink flowers with a dark center. Open, upright, and arching growth habit to 10 ft. tall and wide (3 m).
  Red Ensign – Single, deep, rich-red blooms with a dark center. Upright, dense shrub to 8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m) with dark red leaves
  Ruby Glow – Double, rich ruby-red flowers. Upright, dense shrub to 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.5 m)
  Silver & Rose – Profuse, rose pink, green-centered flowers. Dense, compact shrub to 4-5 ft. and wide (1.2-1.5 m)
  Snow White – Profuse, double white, green-centered flowers. Dense, compact, shrub to 4-5 ft tall and wide (1.2-1.5 m)