shrub

River Tea Tree

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night'

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum obovatum, commonly known as the river tea tree, is an evergreen Australian shrub adapted to moist, well-draining soils along watercourses. The species features small, aromatic foliage and produces five-petaled cup flowers that cover the branches in late spring and summer.

'Starry Night' is a fast-growing, weeping cultivar distinguished by its deep purple to near-black foliage when grown in full sun. The dark, narrow leaves provide a sharp contrast to the profusion of snowy white, star-shaped flowers that emerge from bronze buds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with its weeping habit and dramatic dark purple foliage, accented by snowy white flowers in summer.

Serves as an effective, fast-growing privacy screen or windbreak that tolerates coastal salt spray and moderate drought once established.

Attracts generalist insect pollinators and butterflies to the garden with its pollen-rich summer blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximize the dark purple foliage coloration, though partial shade is tolerated.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the surrounding soil is loose and well-draining.
Backfill with native soil, avoiding heavy organic amendments that can waterlog the roots, and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Pruning must be limited to light tip-shearing immediately after summer flowering; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents regeneration and can kill the branch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune lightly immediately after summer flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit.
Use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly if soil nutrients are poor.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, woody, leafless stems, as the plant will not regenerate from bare wood.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that hold stagnant water.
Do not apply heavy, high-phosphorus chemical fertilizers.

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 ScreenSpecimen PlantCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

River Tea Tree questions

What zones can River Tea Tree grow in?

River 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.

Is River Tea Tree deer resistant?

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

When does River Tea Tree bloom?

River 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 River Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is River Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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