Overview
Leptospermum glaucescens is a bushy, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Leptospermum, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leptospermum glaucescens grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, conservatory and greenhouse, cut flowers and wall side borders.
About
Gaudium glaucescens, commonly known as the blue-green tea tree or smoky tea tree, is a species of shrub or small tree that is endemic to Tasmania. It has elliptical to egg-shaped leaves that are often greyish green, white flowers about 15 mm (0.59 in) in diameter arranged in consecutive leaf axils and fruit that remain on the plant for some time after maturity. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, conservatory and greenhouse, cut flowers and wall side borders. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gaudium glaucescens
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Leptospermum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Leptospermum glaucescens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Leptospermum glaucescens
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Leptospermum glaucescens?
Leptospermum glaucescens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leptospermum glaucescens need?
Leptospermum glaucescens grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Leptospermum glaucescens hardy in the UK?
Leptospermum glaucescens has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Leptospermum glaucescens?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Leptospermum genus
- Leptospermum juniperinum

- Leptospermum liversidgeilemon-scented tea tree

- Leptospermum macrocarpum

- Leptospermum myrtifolium

- Leptospermum nitidum
- Leptospermum obovatumriver tea tree

- Leptospermum petersonii

- Leptospermum scoparium 'Autumn Glory'
