2 named cultivars

shrub

Tantoon

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum polygalifolium, known as tantoon, is an upright, evergreen Australian shrub with narrow, light green to yellowish-green leaves that release an aromatic scent when crushed. The solitary, five-petaled white or greenish-white flowers open in abundance along the slender, weeping branches from late spring into early summer.

This species is highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and high humidity, making it an excellent choice for challenging maritime climates. Established plants survive moderate frosts down to 20°F and adapt well to nutrient-poor, sandy soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a profuse display of white flowers along weeping branches, backed by aromatic, fine-textured foliage.

Provides excellent erosion control on slopes and serves as an effective windbreak in coastal areas.

Attracts generalist insect pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent, sharp drainage.
Incorporate coarse sand or organic matter into heavy soils to prevent waterlogging around the root zone.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Prune the branch tips lightly after the summer flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit.

Pro Tip

Plant in sandy, fast-draining soil and prune lightly immediately after flowering; shearing too late in the season removes the next year's flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use low-phosphorus native fertilizers if supplemental feeding is necessary.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Tip-prune regularly after flowering to prevent the shrub from becoming leggy.

Don't

Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the sensitive root system.
Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Avoid heavy pruning back into old wood unless absolutely necessary.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardenHedgeWindbreakSpecimen PlantErosion Control

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Westringia fruticosa Grevillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tantoon questions

What zones can Tantoon grow in?

Tantoon 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.

Is Tantoon deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tantoon, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tantoon bloom?

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

Does Tantoon need full sun?

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

Is Tantoon drought tolerant?

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