About
Leptospermum lanigerum, the woolly tea tree, is an upright, half-hardy, evergreen shrub to 5 m with silky-hairy, grey-green, aromatic leaves and solitary, white flowers with red-brown markings to 2 cm across in late spring and summer. A rewarding and ornamental tea tree for a sunny, sheltered, mild garden.
About the genus
Leptospermum, the tea trees, are aromatic evergreen shrubs or small trees with small, often silky leaves and five-petalled, white, pink or red flowers in late spring and summer. Popular and ornamental plants for mild, sunny gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toE & SE Australia
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sheltered, sunny position in full sun. Not hardy below -0.5°C
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings, with bottom heat.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)