shrub

Tea Tree, Aphrodite Tea Tree

Leptospermum spectabile 'Aphrodite'

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum, commonly known as tea tree, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees native primarily to Australia, characterised by woody capsules and small, tough leaves. The genus is highly adaptable, often colonising poor soils and tolerating harsh coastal winds or moderate frosts.

'Aphrodite' is a dense, fast-growing cultivar selected from Leptospermum spectabile seedlings, reaching up to two and a half metres in height and width. It is distinguished by its heavy flush of bright, deep pink flowers with green centres that cluster along the branches in late spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a dense display of bright pink flowers with green centres against lush green foliage.

Functions as an effective, fast-growing hedge or privacy screen that tolerates damp soils better than many dry-land natives.

Attracts native bees, beneficial insects, and nectar-feeding Australian birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

98 inches

Width

98 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-draining loam, sandy loam, or clay loam soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain consistent soil moisture during the establishment phase.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune the branches lightly immediately after the spring flowering finishes; neglecting annual pruning leads to an open, woody interior that struggles to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually immediately after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Provide supplementary irrigation during extended hot and dry summer spells.
Ensure the planting site has good to moderate drainage to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during the first summer of establishment.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers, as native Myrtaceae perform best with low-phosphorus formulations.
Do not leave the plant unpruned for years, as it will develop a bare, woody center.

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

HedgesScreeningNative gardensWindbreaksPollinator gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tea Tree, Aphrodite Tea Tree questions

What zones can Tea Tree, Aphrodite Tea Tree grow in?

Tea Tree, Aphrodite 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, Aphrodite Tea Tree bloom?

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

Does Tea Tree, Aphrodite Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Tea Tree, Aphrodite Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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