shrub

Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees native to Australia, characterised by fine, aromatic foliage and five-petalled flowers with prominent central stigmas. These plants inhabit heathlands and open woodlands, adapting to diverse soil profiles and tolerating temporary soil saturation.

'Outrageous' is a medium-tall, weeping cultivar featuring pendulous branches clad in narrow, mid-green leaves up to 15 millimetres long. In spring, it produces an abundant display of deep red to brilliant pink-red flowers with green centres that fade to pink as they age.

Uses & Benefits:

Weeping growth habit with abundant deep red to pink-red spring flowers.

Tolerates coastal salt spray and pool splashes, making it suitable for exposed sites.

Provides nectar for native bees and beneficial insects, and dense nesting habitat for small birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

78 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia (Cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with free-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is moist.
Position the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply an organic mulch layer around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering finishes in spring; cutting back into old, leafless brown wood prevents new shoots from forming and can kill the branch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after spring flowering to maintain a dense, mounded habit.
Water regularly during the first two years to ensure deep root establishment.
Use low-phosphorus or native-specific fertilisers if feeding is required.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood as it will not regenerate.
Do not apply heavy general-purpose commercial fertilisers high in phosphorus.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged for extended periods.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeScreeningCoastal GardenBird GardenSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Correa reflexa Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree questions

What zones can Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree grow in?

Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree bloom?

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

Does Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree need full sun?

Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tea Tree, Outrageous Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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