Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Leptospermum polygalifolium

Manuka tea tree

A bushy, evergreen shrub to 1.2m high, with small, needle-like leaves. In spring it produces an abundance of white flowers to 1cm across

Other common names
New Zealand tea plant
Synonyms
Leptospermum flavescens Sm.
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
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
E Australia to Lord Howe Is.

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in a warm and sheltered position; the foot of a south- or west-facing wall is ideal. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright, filtered light. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Plants can be moved outside in the summer months

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

See pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.