Leptospermum lanigerum
woolly tea tree
An upright, half-hardy, evergreen shrub to 5m in height, with green, sometimes red-flushed stems and small, silky-hairy, grey-green leaves, aromatic when crushed. Solitary white flowers with red-brown markings, to 2cm across, are produced in late spring to summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Red | White Red Brown | Grey Silver | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Red | White Red Brown | Grey Silver | |
Autumn | Green Red | Grey Silver | ||
Winter | Green | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- 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 & SE Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sheltered, sunny position in full sun. Not hardy below -0.5°C
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings, with bottom heat.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.