shrub

Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum, commonly known as tea trees, are evergreen shrubs and small trees native primarily to Australia, characterised by tough, aromatic foliage and five-petalled flowers. They thrive in well-drained soils and full sun, often colonising coastal cliffs, heathlands, and forest understories across diverse climate zones.

'Pink Cascade' is a vigorous, semi-prostrate cultivar distinguished by its weeping, arching branches that cascade outwards to form a low, spreading mound. In spring and autumn, the pendulous stems are covered in a profusion of single, cup-shaped pink flowers that age to white, contrasted by bright red new foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a graceful weeping habit with cascading pink flowers and red-tipped new growth, ideal for banks and retaining walls.

Functions as an effective soil-stabilising groundcover on sloped sites and tolerates coastal salt spray.

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees, beneficial insects, and small nectar-feeding birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39 inches

Width

59 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia (Cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, avoiding any low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil to prevent collar rot.
Gently decant the plant from its pot, taking extreme care not to disturb the sensitive root system during transition.
Backfill with native soil, firm down gently, and water in thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense habit; cutting back severely into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly until established, then transition to a low-water regime.
Apply a low-phosphorus native-safe fertiliser or blood and bone in spring.
Prune young plants early to establish a dense, well-branched framework.

Don't

Do not disturb the root system during planting or subsequent cultivation.
Do not plant in heavy, boggy soils that retain standing water.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood as it will not regenerate.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverRock gardensCoastal plantingsRetaining wallsCascading over banks

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler'Correa alba

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree questions

What zones can Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree grow in?

Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree bloom?

Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree need full sun?

Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pink Cascade tea tree, Tea tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.