2 named cultivars

shrub

Tantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum polygalifolium, commonly known as tantoon or jelly bush, is a highly variable evergreen Australian shrub native to the coastal and tableland environments of Queensland and New South Wales. It features small, narrow, light green to grey-green leaves along weeping or upright branches, producing a profuse display of five-petalled, saucer-shaped white flowers during late spring and summer.

This species is distinguished by its exceptional adaptability to both damp watercourses and dry rocky outcrops, as well as its tolerance to phosphorus-rich soils compared to other Australian natives. The flowers produce a distinct nectar highly valued by native bees and beneficial insects, which is also the source of active jelly bush honey.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, fine-textured green screen with a profuse display of white flowers that cover the branches.

Highly effective for erosion control along watercourses and windbreaks in exposed coastal environments.

Attracts and supports native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-feeding birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High to moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained sandy loam or clay loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth, ensuring the soil is loosened.
Position the plant at the same level it was in the container, backfill with native soil, and firm down gently.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first summer to establish the root system.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy framework; cutting back too hard into bare, leafless wood will prevent regrowth and leave permanent dead patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the summer flowering flush to promote dense growth.
Check young shoots regularly for signs of myrtle rust, especially in warm, humid weather.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly if soil nutrients are poor.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood that lacks green foliage.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged subsoils without first improving the drainage.
Do not use overhead watering systems, which encourage fungal spore development on the leaves.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeWindbreakCoastal GardenRiparian PlantingBird Garden

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Melaleuca alternifolia Westringia fruticosa Grevillea robusta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree questions

What zones can Tantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree grow in?

Tantoon, Jelly Bush, 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 Tantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree bloom?

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

Does Tantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Tantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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