shrub

Tea Tree, Morrison's Tea Tree, Burgundy Tea Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum morrisonii is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the rocky escarpments, riparian zones, and dry woodlands of New South Wales. The species features a weeping to upright habit with firm, corrugated bark on mature stems and aromatic, narrow-elliptic leaves.

While wild populations carry dark green to blue-green foliage and bloom in summer, the cultivar 'Burgundy' is distinguished by deep maroon new growth and spring-blooming white flowers. The foliage contains aromatic essential oils that release a strong scent when crushed but can cause contact dermatitis.

Uses & Benefits:

Features weeping branches, aromatic dark green or burgundy foliage, and solitary white flowers.

Highly drought-resistant once established and well-suited to coastal windbreaks and erosion control.

Provides nectar and habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

New South Wales, Australia

Toxicity

Foliage may cause contact dermatitis; pollen can be allergenic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the base to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil and apply a light mulch, keeping it clear of the stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, bare wood will kill the branch because the plant lacks dormant buds to regenerate from old wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense branching.
Grow in well-drained sandy or loamy soils to prevent root rot.
Wear gloves when handling foliage if you have sensitive skin.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or stagnant.
Do not over-fertilise; a light application of low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring is sufficient.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Screening and privacy hedgesCoastal gardensRocky hillsides and erosion controlNative windbreaks

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Grevillea species Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tea Tree, Morrison's Tea Tree, Burgundy Tea Tree questions

What zones can Tea Tree, Morrison's Tea Tree, Burgundy Tea Tree grow in?

Tea Tree, Morrison's Tea Tree, Burgundy 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, Morrison's Tea Tree, Burgundy Tea Tree bloom?

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

Does Tea Tree, Morrison's Tea Tree, Burgundy Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Tea Tree, Morrison's Tea Tree, Burgundy Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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