TL
Family
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name
LEPTOSPERMUM scoparium
Plant Common Name
Broom Tea Tree, New Zealand Tea Tree, Tea Tree
General Description
Few drought resistant shrubs can rival the color of a tea tree in full bloom. This large evergreen shrub or small tree has small, prickly, needle-like leaves and many thumbnail-sized blossoms. It is a native of 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.
Wild specimens are tree-like, highly variable and not suitable for coiffed formal gardens, but they develop a natural grace when allowed to maintain their irregular form. Bloom time is variable depending on climate and location. In New Zealand it blooms in their spring and summer. Likewise, in the Pacific Northwest and the United Kingdom it is reported to bloom from spring to summer. But, in the southwestern United States it tends to bloom from late fall or winter into spring.
The waxy, five-petaled blooms are small and densely line the branches. Pink, rose, white or red-flowered selections are available as are double-flowered forms, though in the wild the flowers are typically white or rarely pink. Many cultivated varieties have been bred for improved habit, size, flower color and performance.
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. All pruning is best done selectively and sparingly. 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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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
1'-15' / 3.3f - 49.2f
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Width
1'-8' / 3.3f - 26.2f
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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
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site, Pollution, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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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
White, Red, Pink, Rose, Burgundy, Lavender
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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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
Bog Garden, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border
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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
