About
An upright, half-hardy, evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with white-hairy stems and small, silky-hairy, grey-green leaves, aromatic when crushed. Solitary white flowers, to 2cm across, are produced in mid- and late summer.
About the genus
Leptospermum are aromatic evergreen shrubs or small trees with small, often silky leaves and 5-petalled flowers in late spring and summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toAustralia (Tasmania)
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, 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
PruningSee pruning group 8; may require restrictive pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed, or root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)