shrub

Large-leaf Yellow Teatree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum morrisonii is an evergreen Australian shrub or small tree with an upright, spreading habit and weeping branches of aromatic, narrow-elliptic foliage. Solitary white to creamy-white flowers with five petals and bundles of white stamens open along the branchlet ends from late winter through spring.

New foliage emerges with rich burgundy-purple or bronze tones before maturing to a deep green or blue-green. The species displays strong coastal wind tolerance and adapts well to poor, sandy soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking burgundy-purple new growth contrasts with mature dark green foliage and small white flowers.

Highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and useful for stabilizing sandy soils.

Provides nectar and pollen for beneficial insect pollinators and native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth to prevent settling.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments or high-phosphorus fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil and apply a light organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Plant in free-draining sandy or loamy soil to prevent root rot, and avoid pruning back into old, leafless wood as branches lack dormant buds to generate new growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Provide full sun to maximize the vibrant burgundy coloration of new foliage.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to protect the root system from rot.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood, as the plant will fail to reshoot.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the root system.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.

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

Windbreaks and coastal screensSpecimen planting for foliage contrastErosion control on rocky slopes

Companion Plants

Grevillea Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Large-leaf Yellow Teatree questions

What zones can Large-leaf Yellow Teatree grow in?

Large-leaf Yellow Teatree 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 Large-leaf Yellow Teatree bloom?

Large-leaf Yellow Teatree typically blooms in late winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Large-leaf Yellow Teatree need full sun?

Large-leaf Yellow Teatree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Large-leaf Yellow Teatree drought tolerant?

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