Leptospermum lanigerum

RHS Plant Profile
woolly tea tree

Other common names

Australian tea tree

Synonyms

Leptospermum pubescens

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Chalk

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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)