Introduction to Leptospermum - 'Tea Trees'

Leptospermum is the ‘Tea Tree’ a largely Australasian family, better known perhaps in the cosmetic and fragrance industries but rather worthwhile as garden shrubs too. The evergreen foliage is sweetly aromatic of course, but the small rosette like flowers are borne in dense clusters in a display of rare beauty. Flowering in May and June [with some sporadic blooms thereafter] the flowers can cover the bush in exotic colour. These are upright, bushy growers that can, in favoured area’s, reach 6’ or more. They prefer a lime free soil and may also be grown in 24” containers. Frost hardy to an extent, but avoid cold or exposed situations and be prepared to give protection during severe winter spells. The most striking [& most popular] variety is 'Red Damask' which has shimmering dark ruby red black eyed flowers. Snowflurries in white, and Appleblossom in pale pink are other worthwhile varieties. These are all forms of Leptospermum scoparium; there are many other species in the family but few are particularly garden worthy. Pictured is 'Red Damask'