shrub

Woolly Tea-Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum lanigerum, known as the woolly tea-tree, is an evergreen Australian shrub that typically reaches ten feet in height and width, characterized by grey-green leaves covered in dense, silky hairs. In spring and summer, it produces a profusion of solitary white flowers with numerous stamens and prominent centers along the short branches.

This species is highly distinguished by its remarkable tolerance for wet, poorly drained soils and waterlogged conditions, far exceeding most other members of the Myrtaceae family. The silvery sheen of its pubescent foliage provides a striking visual contrast in coastal gardens and damp borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with its dense, silvery-grey foliage and a heavy display of white flowers in spring and summer.

Excellent for stabilizing wet soils, erosion control along watercourses, and functioning as a windbreak in coastal areas.

Attracts and supports generalist local insect pollinators with its open, nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Ample

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, acidic to neutral 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 thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the flowering season, ensuring you never cut back into old, leafless brown wood, as this species lacks the ability to regenerate from bare stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells in the establishment phase.
Prune annually after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy growth habit.
Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer if supplemental feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as the plant will fail to resprout.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, particularly in hot summer climates.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, 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
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain GardenHedgeCoastal GardenBog GardenSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Carex Juncus Cornus sericea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Tea-Tree questions

What zones can Woolly Tea-Tree grow in?

Woolly Tea-Tree 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.

Is Woolly Tea-Tree deer resistant?

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

When does Woolly Tea-Tree bloom?

Woolly 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 Woolly Tea-Tree need full sun?

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

Is Woolly Tea-Tree drought tolerant?

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