Also known as Tea Tree · 83 saves
Leptospermum
Leptospermum, the genus most gardeners know as tea tree. We track 20 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 18 most-saved Leptospermum varieties
Browse all 20 Leptospermum varieties →
10 species of Leptospermum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Leptospermum in Sow
Save the Leptospermum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Leptospermum
Whats common across all Leptospermum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them.
The Leptospermum year
- PruneJune and July100% of varieties
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and density.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertilizer sparingly.
- Check for PestsMay–August100% of varieties
Inspect foliage for spider mites and scale insects.
- MulchApril, October and November50% of varieties
Apply a fresh layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
- Plant in a position with excellent air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
- Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush.
- Use only low-phosphorus fertilizers to avoid root toxicity.
Avoid
- Do not over-fertilize, especially with high-phosphorus formulas.
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
- Do not plant in heavy, boggy soils without incorporating sand or raising the planting bed.
- Do not cut back into old, leafless wood, as it will not regenerate.
What goes wrong with Leptospermum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Small, waxy bumps on stems and leaves, often accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Scrape off minor infestations manually or apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves accompanied by yellow stippling. | Increase air circulation and spray the foliage with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap. |
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew on foliage. | Wash off with a strong water jet or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Spider Mites | Stippled, faded, fine-webbed foliage under dry, warm conditions. | Increase humidity, use horticultural oils or miticides. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaves during humid weather. | Prune to improve air penetration and avoid overhead watering. |
| Root rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing leaves, and dieback caused by Phytophthora or Pythium in wet soils. | Improve soil drainage immediately, reduce watering, and discard severely infected plants. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Sudden wilting, foliage yellowing, and plant collapse due to waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. |
Making more Leptospermum
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take three-inch semi-hardwood tip cuttings in late summer from healthy, non-flowering shoots.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-draining mix of perlite and peat, keeping them humid but not wet.
- Provide bottom heat to speed up root development, which typically occurs in six to eight weeks.
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 3- to 4-inch cuttings from semi-hardwood tip growth in late summer or early fall.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-drained medium of perlite and peat moss.
- Keep the medium moist and place in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots form.
Leptospermum questions
How many types of Leptospermum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Leptospermum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 83 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Leptospermum grow in?
Across its varieties, Leptospermum covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Leptospermum bloom?
Most Leptospermum varieties bloom in late spring, spring, late winter. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Leptospermum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.