Species

Leptospermum polygalifoliumTantoon

1 other cultivar

‘Copper Glow’Copper Glow Tea Tree

shrub

Cardwell Tea Tree

Leptospermum polygalifolium 'Cardwell'

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum polygalifolium is an evergreen Australian shrub with narrow, aromatic leaves that release a distinct lemon scent when crushed. In its native habitat, it produces a profusion of small, cup-shaped white flowers along the stems from late winter through early summer.

'Cardwell' is distinguished by its dense, weeping habit with slender, pendulous branches that drape gracefully to the ground. This selection is highly tolerant of heat and humidity, making it exceptionally reliable in warm, humid climates where other tea trees struggle.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a graceful weeping form and a spectacular show of white flowers that cover the branches like snow.

Highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and humid conditions, making it excellent for challenging coastal or subtropical gardens.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators with its abundant nectar.

SpeciesLeptospermum polygalifoliumTantoon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Early summer

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with sandy, loam, or well-drained clay soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless wood will prevent the plant from resprouting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly every year immediately after the flowers fade to encourage fresh, bushy growth.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, as waterlogged roots will quickly cause decline.
Use low-phosphorus or native-specific fertilizers if supplemental feeding is required.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as it lacks dormant buds to regenerate.
Do not plant in low-lying areas of the garden where water pools after rain.
Do not over-fertilize with high-phosphorus products, which can damage the root system.

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

ScreeningSpecimen PlantHedgesWindbreaks

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cardwell Tea Tree questions

What zones can Cardwell Tea Tree grow in?

Cardwell 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 Cardwell Tea Tree bloom?

Cardwell Tea Tree typically blooms in late winter through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cardwell Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Cardwell Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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