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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

Other common names
Australian tea tree
Synonyms
Leptospermum pubescens
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical 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

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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