Overview
Leptospermum myrtifolium is a bushy, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Leptospermum, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leptospermum myrtifolium 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. It is native to New South Wales and Victoria.
About
Leptospermum myrtifolium, commonly known as the myrtle tea-tree or grey tea-tree, is a species of shrub that is endemic to south eastern Australia. It has broad egg-shaped to elliptical leaves, white flowers usually borne singly on short side shoots, and fruit that remains on the plant until it dies. 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 partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leptospermum myrtifolium
About the genus
Leptospermum is a genus of shrubs and small trees in the myrtle family Myrtaceae commonly known as tea trees, although this name is sometimes also used for some species of Melaleuca. Most species are endemic to Australia, with the greatest diversity in the south of the continent, but some are native to other parts of the world, including New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Leptospermums all have five conspicuous petals and five groups of stamens which alternate with the petals.
Wikipedia contributors, "Leptospermum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leptospermum
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 myrtifolium 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
- Native to
- New South Wales, Victoria
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Leptospermum myrtifolium
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; plant in well-drained loam or sandy soil; tolerates a range of soil pH; half-hardy in UK, may need winter protection in colder areas
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Leptospermum myrtifolium?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; plant in well-drained loam or sandy soil; tolerates a range of soil pH; half-hardy in UK, may need winter protection in colder areas.
Where is the best place to plant Leptospermum myrtifolium?
Leptospermum myrtifolium prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leptospermum myrtifolium need?
Leptospermum myrtifolium grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Leptospermum myrtifolium?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Leptospermum myrtifolium hardy in the UK?
Leptospermum myrtifolium 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 myrtifolium?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
