Overview
Leptospermum obovatum is a bushy, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Leptospermum, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leptospermum obovatum 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
Leptospermum obovatum, commonly known as river tea tree, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It features a bushy, columnar upright habit with small, often silky foliage typical of the Leptospermum genus. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels and prefers full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south- or west-facing positions. It blooms with five-petaled flowers in late spring and summer, making it suitable for city gardens, coastal areas, and wildlife-friendly spaces, and it is hardy to UK zone H3.
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 obovatum 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 obovatum
- 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 obovatum?
Leptospermum obovatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leptospermum obovatum need?
Leptospermum obovatum grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Leptospermum obovatum hardy in the UK?
Leptospermum obovatum 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 obovatum?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
