Leptospermum lanigerum
woolly tea tree
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
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | White Red Brown | Grey Silver | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | White Red Brown | Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Green Red | Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
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