shrub

Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum brachyandrum, commonly known as the weeping tea-tree, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia, notable for its pendulous, arching branches and seasonally peeling bark. The fine, grey-green foliage is complemented by small, five-petalled white flowers that cluster along the weeping stems in late spring and summer.

The trunk displays a decorative, smooth inner bark that flakes away in seasonal patches of soft pink, grey, cream, and copper. Unlike many riparian species, it adapts readily to dry garden soils once established, though it retains its graceful, willow-like form best with regular moisture.

Uses & Benefits:

Features weeping, willow-like branches and highly decorative, multi-coloured peeling bark.

Excellent for soil stabilisation along creek banks and tolerates periodic seasonal waterlogging.

Provides nectar for native bees and insects, and nesting sites and food for honeyeaters.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

197 inches

Width

138 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

20-50 years

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth.
Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the base without burying the trunk.
Water thoroughly and apply a thick layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the bark.

Pro Tip

Protect the delicate lower trunks of young specimens from lawnmowers and line trimmers; physical damage to the thin, shedding bark can easily ring-bark and kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods to maintain the weeping habit.
Protect the young trunks from mechanical damage by mowers and trimmers.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood as it will fail to reshoot.
Do not allow young plants to dry out completely during extended dry spells.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers.

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

Riparian plantingsScreening and hedgingSpecimen plantingRain gardens

Companion Plants

Melaleuca alternifolia Callistemon viminalis Lomandra longifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree questions

What zones can Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree grow in?

Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, 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 Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree bloom?

Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree need full sun?

Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Weeping Tea-tree, Silver-leafed Weeping Tea-tree, Tea-tree drought tolerant?

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