shrub

Coast Tea Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum laevigatum, the coast tea tree, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with a gnarled, twisted trunk and shaggy, peeling grey-brown bark. The open, weeping crown features small, leathery grey-green leaves and solitary, five-petaled white flowers that cover the branches from late winter through spring.

This coastal specialist is highly adapted to maritime exposure, salt spray, and sandy soils, making it an exceptional windbreak or sculptural specimen. In California, it must be planted with caution, as it has escaped cultivation to become an invasive threat in coastal dune systems.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a highly sculptural, gnarled trunk with shaggy bark and a weeping canopy covered in white flowers.

Excellent for stabilizing sandy soils, resisting salt spray, and serving as a tough windbreak.

Provides pollen and nectar for generalist native insects and local pollinators in coastal landscapes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

354"

Width

354"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, loamy, or well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then water infrequently once the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moderate moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Never cut back into old, leafless wood when pruning, as the plant lacks the ability to resprout from bare stems and will likely die.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maintain a dense, healthy crown.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly and regularly to shape the canopy or maintain a hedge.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood, as it will not regenerate.
Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained clay soils or low-lying wet areas.
Do not apply heavy, high-phosphorus synthetic fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreakSculptural specimen treeHedge or screenErosion control on sandy slopes

Companion Plants

Myrica californica Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Arctostaphylos

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coast Tea Tree questions

What zones can Coast Tea Tree grow in?

Coast 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.

Is Coast Tea Tree deer resistant?

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

When does Coast Tea Tree bloom?

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

Does Coast Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Coast Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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