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Shrubs

Leptospermum polygalifolium

Manuka tea tree

A bushy, evergreen shrub to 1.2m high, with small, needle-like leaves. In spring it produces an abundance of white flowers to 1cm across

Other common names

New Zealand tea plant

Synonyms

Leptospermum flavescens Sm.

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

1–1.5 metres

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Myrtaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Leptospermum are aromatic evergreen shrubs or small trees with small, often silky leaves and 5-petalled flowers in late spring and summer
Name status: Correct
Plant range: E Australia to Lord Howe Is.

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in a warm and sheltered position; the foot of a south- or west-facing wall is ideal. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright, filtered light. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Plants can be moved outside in the summer months

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Wildlife gardens
Conservatory and greenhouse
Wall side borders

Pruning

See pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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