Overview
Leptospermum petersonii is a bushy, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Leptospermum, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leptospermum petersonii 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 petersonii, commonly known as lemon-scented teatree, is a species of shrub or small tree that is endemic to eastern Australia. It has thin, fibrous or flaky bark, often strongly-scented elliptic to lance-shaped leaves, white flowers and fruit that are retained for several years. It is commonly grown as an ornamental and is regarded as a minor environmental weed in some areas. Grow it in 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). It works well for 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 petersonii
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 petersonii 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 petersonii
- 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 petersonii?
Leptospermum petersonii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leptospermum petersonii need?
Leptospermum petersonii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Leptospermum petersonii hardy in the UK?
Leptospermum petersonii 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 petersonii?
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 scoparium 'Autumn Glory'
- Leptospermum scoparium 'Flore Pleno' (d)