This white-flowering shrub stands up to dry conditions and salt spray near the beachfront.
The Australian tea tree is beloved for its twisted branches andweeping habitthat develops with age.
The tree displays masses of white, roselike flowers in the spring.
Tolerant of dry conditions, this tree thrives where others struggle to survive.
it’s possible for you to plant several Australian tea trees together to create aliving privacy screen.
It is also regarded as an excellent plant for stabilizing beaches.
Place the tree in the center of the hole and backfill with the original soil.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Spacing depends on the size of the variety and how you want to use the tree.
Smaller types, which work well as a hedge, can be planted 3 to 6 feet apart.
Light
Australian tea tree grows well in full sun or part shade.
It cannot grow in full shade.
Once established, Australian tea tree can withstandextended periods of drought.
However, an occasional deep watering in the summer increases the plants resistance to pests and diseases.
It is not winter-hardy below Zone 9 and is especially sensitive to cold, drying winds.
A springtimeapplication of compostand a balanced slow-release fertilizer every two to three years in the spring is usually sufficient.
Pruning
Vigorous upright branches can be pruned out for use inmixed bouquets.
After the spring flowering, prune the lower branches to display their attractive contorted structure.
Remove the spent flowers to stop the prolific seed production if the shrub is still small enough.
Use well-draining potting mix.
Keep in mind that a potted tree needs more frequent watering than trees in the landscape.
Pests and Problems
Happily, few serious pests or diseases attack Australian tea trees in North America.
If you have an Australian tea tree cultivar, it can only bepropagated from semi-hardwood cuttings.
It is smaller than the Australian tea tree6 to 10 feet tall and widewith white flowers in the summer.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
‘Leptospermum laevigatum.
“California Invasive Plant Council.
