shrub

Lemon-Scented Tea Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum petersonii, the lemon-scented tea tree, is an upright, bushy evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves release a strong, clean citrus aroma when crushed, and new growth emerges with a distinct bronze-red tint.

Small, five-petaled white flowers appear singly or in tight clusters along the weeping branches from late spring into early summer. The plant develops an open, airy canopy supported by attractive fibrous, peeling bark as it matures.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with fine-textured, aromatic evergreen foliage, bronze new growth, and peeling bark.

Functions as an effective windbreak, screen, or informal hedge due to its dense growth habit and wind tolerance.

Attracts bees, beneficial insects, and generalist pollinators with nectar-rich white flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

150"

Width

110"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with acidic to neutral, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents new growth because the stems lack dormant buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune annually after flowering to encourage dense, bushy growth.
Water during extended dry spells once established to prevent leaf drop.
Use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring if soil nutrients are poor.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as the plant will not regenerate from old timber.
Do not over-fertilize with high-phosphorus or high-nitrogen general garden fertilizers.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.

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

HedgeScreeningSpecimen PlantWindbreakCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Myrica cerifera Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon-Scented Tea Tree questions

What zones can Lemon-Scented Tea Tree grow in?

Lemon-Scented 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.

Is Lemon-Scented Tea Tree deer resistant?

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

When does Lemon-Scented Tea Tree bloom?

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

Does Lemon-Scented Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Lemon-Scented Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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