Overview
Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium is a bushy, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Leptospermum, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium 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 scoparium var. scoparium is an evergreen, well-branched shrub with a columnar upright habit in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. It produces small white, occasionally pink, flowers from May to August. Best placed in south- or west-facing, sheltered sites, it prefers free-draining loam or sand and tolerates a wide soil pH. In the UK it is H3 (borderline), so give winter protection on exposed inland sites or grow in a container.
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
In the garden
Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium (mānuka) originates from New Zealand and south‑east Australia and sits in the Myrtaceae family. It develops a well‑branched, columnar upright form with evergreen foliage and a long flowering window; the small white, sometimes pink flowers appear from May to August. Choose a sunny or part‑shaded, sheltered position on south‑ or west‑facing aspects. It prefers free‑draining loam or sandy soils and tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH, but dislikes waterlogged ground. The plant is rated H3 in the UK (borderline hardy), so it benefits from a protected spot; where winters are sharper, a container moved to a frost‑protected area will reduce risk. Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium works well in city and courtyard gardens, coastal plots, cottage or informal borders, and on patios or in containers. It is suited to wildlife gardens, wall‑side borders, conservatories and greenhouse culture and can be used for cut flowers. Its reliable May–August bloom period provides a predictable source of summer cut blooms for arrangements.
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 scoparium var. scoparium 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 scoparium var. scoparium
- 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 scoparium var. scoparium?
Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium need?
Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium hardy in the UK?
Leptospermum scoparium var. scoparium 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 scoparium var. scoparium?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
