Overview
Leptospermum sericeum is a bushy, columnar upright shrubs in the genus Leptospermum, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leptospermum sericeum 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 sericeum is a cultivar of the Leptospermum genus, which comprises aromatic evergreen shrubs or small trees with small, often silky foliage. This bushy, columnar upright plant retains its evergreen leaves and produces five-petaled flowers in late spring and summer. It thrives best in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels, in full sun or partial shade, ideally in sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. Suitable for various garden settings, it is hardy to UK zone H3 and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
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 sericeum 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 sericeum
- 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 sericeum?
Leptospermum sericeum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Leptospermum sericeum need?
Leptospermum sericeum grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Leptospermum sericeum hardy in the UK?
Leptospermum sericeum 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 sericeum?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
