Leptospermum scoparium

RHS Plant Profile

tea tree

Other common names

broom tea tree, Captain Cook's tea tree, kahikatoa, manuka, New Zealand tea tree

Synonyms

Leptospermum scoparium var. eximium
Leptospermum eximium

Shrubs

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A rounded, evergreen shrub to 2.5m, larger and sometimes tree-like in its native New Zealand. The small, aromatic, dark green leaves are the source of an essential oil used medicinally for centuries by the Māori people. In late spring and early summer it bears a profusion of shallowly cup-shaped white flowers; bees that feed on these flowers produce the famous manuka honey

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Clay

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Clay

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

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): H4
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
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: Australia, New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Protect from very cold weather when young

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Wildlife gardens
Hedging and screens
Wall side borders

Pruning

See pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)