James H. Schutte
Family
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name
LEPTOSPERMUM scoparium 'Helene Strybing'
Plant Common Name
New Zealand Tea Tree, Tea Tree
General Description
The large, vigrorous tea tree 'Helene Strybing' offers lots of pastel pink flowers against deep green needle-like foliage. It originates from New Zealand where it grows in a wide range of areas from peaty bogs to coastal and montane regions. So, it is surprisingly adaptable, especially to arid sites and soils.
This rugged small tree develops an untamed grace when allowed to maintain its naturally irregular form. Bloom time is variable. South of the equator it blooms from spring through to summer, but in the southwestern United States it tends to bloom from fall to spring. The waxy soft pink flowers are five-petaled, have deep magenta centers and densely line the branches.
Tea tree grows quickly if given full to partial sun and acid to neutral soil with average to good drainage. It will withstand arid coastal and inland conditions but grows more vigorously if well-watered. In highly arid regions, it is best to provide protection from hot afternoon sun. Use tea tree to flesh out mixed borders and dry gardens. It is excellent for erosion control but not in wildfire hazard zones as it is oil-rich and volatile.
Allow tea trees to grow naturally. Many a well-intentioned gardener has “tidied" them up with shears or clippers thus spoiling their natural shape while creating more long-term maintenance for these otherwise carefree plants.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
12 - 14
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Sunset Zone
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
8'-15' / 2.4m - 4.6m
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Width
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
New Zealand
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Magenta
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Burgundy
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
