About
An evergreen shrub or tree, to 6m in its native Australia, with papery, grey-white bark and smooth, linear, needle-like leaves to 3cm long, scattered irregularly or whorled along the stems. In summer it produces small white flowers, held in dense spikes that resemble a bottle-brush; these are followed by small, woody, cup-shaped fruits. The leaves are the source of tea tree oil.
About the genus
Commonly known as 'tea-tree', this is a genus of nearly 300 species of paper barks, honey myrtles or tea trees, endemic to Australia where they can be found near streams and swamps. These small trees have white, papery bark and soft, smooth oily leaves. Flowers are white and brush-like
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toAustralia (S.E. Queensland, New South Wales)
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould, in full light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately while in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 1; plants under glass may need restrictive pruning after flowering
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in spring, or root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free