Leptospermum laevigatum

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Plant
ID 169 Leptospermum laevigatum
Botanic Name Leptospermum laevigatum
Common Name Coastal Tea Tree
Family Name Myrtaceae
Cultivars
Origin Australia, East Coast from QLD to TAS, Zone 9-11
Growth Type Tree
Bark Type Furrowed
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Low
No. of Species 83
Growth Habit Vase-shape Growth Rate Fast
Height 3 - 6 m (10 - 20 ft) Spread 4 m (13 ft)
Plant Overview
This large shrub to small tree has single or multiple furrowed trunks and spreading branches that form an irregular open crown. It has small grey-green oblong leaves and the white wheel-shaped flowers appear in early spring. Leptosper
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Obovate
The almost sessile leathery obovate leaves are up to 25 mm (1 in) long by 8 mm (? in) wide and are glaucous green on both sides. They have an obtuse apex that has a small point and the base tapers to the flattened petiole.
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Entire
Colour Grey-green
Size 18 - 25 mm ( 0.7 - 1.0 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Rotate
The 20 mm (¾ in) wide rotate flower has 5-free obovate white petals with undulating margins and appear solitary or in pairs, profusely in the upper leaf axils during early spring.
Inflorescence Solitary
Colour White
Size 15 - 20 mm ( 0.6 - 0.8 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Capsule Additional Information
Colour Brown
The woody capsule is up to 10 mm (3/8 in) wide and has 6-11compartments with slightly exserted valves that open from the top with the persistent 5-lobed calyx attached around the rim. The tiny small winged viable seeds and germinate readily.
Edible No
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 5 - 10 mm ( 0.2 - 0.4 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained sandy to light clay loam, moist-dry, moderately fertile pH 6.0-7.0
Container Large planter boxes when young, bonsai subject
Climate Warm temperate
Aspect Full sun, open to exposed position, salt spray, drought and frost tolerant
Pest & Diseases Witches broom, long-tailed sawfly, tea-tree scale, web caterpillar, myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii)
Fertiliser Added organic material to soil, keep moist during dryer periods
Pruning Light prune after flowering, avoid cutting into old wood
Cultural Uses Propagation
The Coastal Tea Tree is variable and is grown for its weeping habit and flowers. It is planted in coastal gardens along borders for screening or as a wind break and is used as a street tree. It establishes in 2 to 3 years.
Surface sow fresh seed during spring and prick out when large enough to handle. Pot up into a well drained media. Take semi hardwood cuttings from summer to autumn and maintain a warm humid environment.
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