shrub

Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon Tea Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum petersonii, commonly known as the lemon-scented tea tree, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia, characterised by its weeping habit and flaky, fibrous bark. The narrow, lanceolate leaves emit a strong citrus aroma when crushed, while small, five-petalled white flowers with green centres appear in the leaf axils during the warmer months.

This species is highly valued for its vibrant new foliage, which emerges with distinct bronze, red, or purple flushes before maturing to green. Its high concentration of essential oils, specifically citral and citronellal, makes the foliage a traditional choice for bush teas and essential oil extraction.

Uses & Benefits:

Weeping growth habit, aromatic foliage, and attractive bronze-red new growth.

Excellent for fast-growing privacy screens, windbreaks, and essential oil harvesting.

Provides nectar for native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-feeding birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

197 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun position to maximise foliage density and essential oil production.
Ensure the soil is well-drained, preferring sandy or rocky neutral to acidic substrates.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system, after which the plant is highly drought-tolerant.
Apply a low-phosphorus native slow-release fertiliser sparingly in spring to support active growth.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard back into old, leafless wood, as this species lacks epicormic buds and will fail to reshoot from bare branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Monitor regularly for webbing caterpillars and scale insects.
Site carefully away from natural bushland boundaries to prevent self-seeding.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilisers.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Screening and HedgingWindbreaksSensory GardensCoastal Gardens

Companion Plants

Melaleuca alternifolia Callistemon viminalis Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon Tea Tree questions

What zones can Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon Tea Tree grow in?

Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon 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 Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon Tea Tree bloom?

Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon 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 Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Lemon-scented Teatree, Lemon Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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