Leptospermum spectabile
A neat, upright, evergreen shrub that grows to about 2.5m high, with narrow-elliptical, dark green leaves to 3.5 cm long. Saucer-shaped, 5-petalled brilliant red flowers to 2.5cm across, with a prominent central ring of stamens, appear in late spring
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- 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
- SE Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds. In colder areas grow under glass, in bright filtered light, in containers of peat-free, loam-based potting compost, water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed or from semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8; may need restrictive pruning for conservatory or greenhouse cultivation
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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