Photo of Leptospermum laevigatum flower, foliage by Stephen Bain

Photo by Stephen Bain

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Leptospermum laevigatum

Also Known As

  • Australian Tea Tree

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 20'-30'
  • W: 20'-30'

planting zones

  • 8b-12

More Options

Leptospermum laevigatum plant details

Leptospermum laevigatum is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Leptospermum laevigatum

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: myrtaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 20 FT - 30 FT - wide, 20 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: sculptural

GROWING CONDITIONS for Leptospermum laevigatum

USDA Zones: 8b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt and wind
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A large shrub or small tree to 30' high that often develops a large, gnarled trunk with spreading, twisted branches and flaky bark that peels in thin, papery strips. White flowers appear in spring against narrow, muted gray-green foliage. The tea tree adapts to most soil types, including alkaline soils, and serves as a useful screen, hedge, or windbreak in salt laden air. Also good for erosion control. Australia, Tasmania.

Gardening facts about Leptospermum laevigatum plant

How to Grow Leptospermum laevigatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • wind tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Leptospermum for your garden

aka Leptospermum ericoides, Leptospermum phylicoides, Australian Tea Tree, Burgan

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 10'-12'

Width: 12'

  • sun
  • occasional
Photo of Kunzea ericoides flower, foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka New Zealand Tea Tree

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Leptospermum scoparium flower by Kenpei
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 6'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Leptospermum scoparium 'Ruby Glow' flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

aka Leptospermum scoparium 'Nanum Ruru', Nanum Ruru New Zealand Tea Tree

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Leptospermum scoparium (Nanum Group) 'Ruru' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

More Options

aka Leptospermum scoparium var. prostratum, New Zealand Tea Tree

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 5'

Width: 8'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Leptospermum rupestre by Patricia Cunningham
View Plant
+41 more Leptospermum
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