shrub

Tea Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca alternifolia, the tea tree, is an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australia, growing ten to twenty-three feet tall with weeping branchlets. The soft, linear leaves are highly aromatic when crushed, and the plant produces white, bottlebrush-like flower spikes along the stems from spring into summer.

This species is the primary commercial source of tea tree oil, which is concentrated in prominent glands throughout the narrow foliage. The pale green new growth often emerges with a bronze tint, contrasting against the papery bark of the mature stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Features delicate, weeping foliage and fluffy white summer flowers that resemble a dusting of snow.

The leaves contain aromatic essential oils widely harvested for their antiseptic properties.

Attracts bees, generalist insect pollinators, and occasionally hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

275"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; skin irritant

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, loam or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its container.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced, low-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring to support new growth.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, leafless wood, as the stems lack the ability to regenerate from bare timber. While often treated as a bog plant, it requires reasonable subsurface drainage to prevent root rot when grown in garden soils.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during active summer growth.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit.
Protect young plants from frost when temperatures drop below freezing.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, brown, leafless wood, as it will fail to shoot back.
Do not allow container-grown plants to dry out completely between waterings.
Do not over-fertilize, particularly with high-phosphorus formulations.

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

HedgePrivacy ScreenRain GardenSpecimen Plant

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Leptospermum scoparium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tea Tree questions

What zones can Tea Tree grow in?

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.

When does Tea Tree bloom?

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 need full sun?

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

Is Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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