About
A dwarf, creeping, mat-forming, evergreen shrub from subalpine bogs and heaths of Eurasia and North America with tiny, glossy, dark green, box-like leaves and small, nodding, pink, urn-shaped flowers followed by sweet, blue-black edible berries in late summer. A delicate, slow-growing plant for cool, moist, very acidic conditions in a peat garden.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toE Australia to Lord Howe Is.
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
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)