Growing New Zealand Tea Tree Plants: How To Care For Leptospermum Scoparium

Leptospermum scoparium is an upright evergreen shrub that belongs to the genus Leptospermum and is a member of the Myrtaceae or Myrtle family that comprises 3300 species and 150 genera of shrubs and trees. 

Some notable members of this family include Allspice, Acca, Bay rum tree, clove, eucalyptus, guava, Myrtle, and pohutukawa, making them close relatives of Leptospermum scoparium. 

Pin

The genus name Leptospermum originated from the combined Greek words “Leptos,” which means slender, and “Sperma,” meaning narrow seeds. 

Moreover, the specific epithet “scoparium” is derived from a Latin word that means “broom-like,” referencing the Genista and Cytisus genera from Northern Hemisphere that resemble the plant. 

This vigorous, carefree shrub is native to New Zealand (including the Chatham Islands) and southeastern Australia. However, it’s also widely cultivated in several countries, including Britain, Madeira, the United States, and South Africa.

Leptospermum Scoparium is a lovely evergreen shrub-type tree with showy delicate flowers and aromatic needle-like leaves.

Other common names for this plant include:

• Australian tea tree
• Broom tea tree
• Captain Cook’s tea tree
• Crimson tea bush
• Mānuka
• Mānuka Myrtle
• New Zealand tea tree
• Tea tree
• Tea Tree Wit Teebos

The common names “Tea Tree, “New Zealand Tea Tree,” and “Captain Cook’s Tea Tree” refer to when Captain Cook studied the South Pacific and used the foliage of Leptospermum Scoparium to brew tea for his crew.

Mānuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) is often confused with kānuka (Kunzea ericoides), a related tree or shrub species in the myrtle family. However, they are not the same.

The easiest way to differentiate the two is to feel their foliage and the seed capsules. Mānuka leaves are prickly and have large seed capsules, while kānuka have soft leaves and smaller seed capsules. 

Some examples of the plant’s main cultivars include:

• Apple Blossom – with light pink double flowers; grows 8′ feet tall and wide
• Burgundy Queen – upright dense shrub with dark burgundy double flowers; grows 12″ feet tall and 10′ feet wide
• Helene Strybing – upright and arching shrub with deep pink single flowers with a dark center; grows 8′ to 10′ feet tall
• Red Damask – dense medium-sized shrub with deep red double flowers; grows 6′ to 8′ feet tall
• Red Ensign – upright, dense shrub with deep, rich-red single flowers with a dark center; grows 8′ to 10′ feet

Quick Tips On Leptospermum Scoparium

• Family: Myrtaceae
• Light: Full sun or light shade
• Temperature: As low as 40° degrees Fahrenheit
• Water: Water regularly with a moderate moisture level
• Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer
• Propagation: Seeds or rooting semi-hardwood cuttings
• Common Problems: Root rot, adult mānuka beetle, borers, scales, webbing caterpillars

Leptospermum Scoparium Care

Leptospermum scoparium is an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance shrub, making it one of the best gardener choices.

Here are the steps to consider when growing them in your garden.

How Big Does New Zealand Tea Tree Grow?

The New Zealand Tea Tree is an evergreen shrub with a medium growth rate, typically reaching up to 7′ to 16′ feet tall and wide, but it can also grow into a moderately sized tree, about 49′ feet or more.

The differences in height may vary depending on the cultivar or growing conditions. Moreover, this plant takes about 5 to 10 years to reach maturity.

When Does New Zealand Tea Tree Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?

New Zealand Tea Trees are upright evergreen shrubs with showy 5-petalled flowers that may either be single or double, depending on the cultivar.

Each flower in shades of white, red, or pink is borne along the stems and blooms in late spring and summer. 

The plant also features dense branching and small needle-like leaves with short spine tips that are aromatic when crushed.

Moreover, these shrubs also bear fruits that are woody capsules containing seeds that emerge after the petals drop.

What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?

Leptospermum Scoparium thrives in full sun and will typically have abundant flowering. However, it can also grow well in light shade. 

This plant prefers warm climates with outdoor temperatures of about 40° degrees Fahrenheit and won’t do well once the temperature drops below this.

If grown indoors, it’s best to place the plant near a South–or West–facing window to get bright sunlight.

Moreover, the New Zealand tea tree is winter hardy and can be cultivated in USDA cold hardiness zones 9 to 10. 

How And When To Water And Fertilize New Zealand Tea Trees?

New Zealand Tea Trees need regular watering to thrive, but be careful not to overwater them as it can cause root rot.

However, this plant also has some drought tolerance and may only need watering if the soil begins to dry. 

For fertilizer application, feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer, especially when container-grown, as soil nutrients deplete more easily. 

What Is The Best Soil For Leptospermum Scoparium, And When Should You Transplant?

Leptospermum scoparium performs best in fertile, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic but may also tolerate poor infertile soil. This makes the plant suitable for Mediterranean climates.

If your soil has poor drainage, you can amend it with compost or other organic matter. 

Repotting New Zealand Tea Tree is only necessary once root-bound and is best done in spring. 

When repotting, use a larger pot and remove the plant carefully, not disturbing the roots. Use additional fresh soil around the plant’s existing root ball.

Does Leptospermum Scoparium Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?

This plant only requires minimal pruning, and you can do so after flowering to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms.

You may also remove diseased, damaged, or dead wood. However, don’t cut more than 1/3 of the plant, as it will unlikely sprout.

How To Propagate Mānuka Myrtle?

Mānuka Myrtle can be propagated by two methods:

• Seeds
• Rooting semi-hardwood cuttings

Propagation through seeds isn’t used much because seeds may be infertile or produce new plants that don’t share the parent plant’s features. However, if you have a pure Mānuka Myrtle plant, you can collect its seeds from mature seed capsules.

If you prefer an easier method, you can propagate by stem cuttings. Here’s what you need to do:

• Clip off a stem segment containing new growth with slightly hardened older wood at the base using a sharp, clean pruner in early summer.
• Dip the end of the stem cutting in a rooting hormone.
• Plant the cutting using peat moss, perlite, or commercial potting mix.
• Place a plastic bag over the stem cutting like a mini-greenhouse to speed up root development.
• You can remove the bag when you feel resistance after tugging on the cutting.
• Regularly water the plant as the soil dries out, and keep it in a sunny window. 
• Harden off the cutting once new leaves appear to acclimate it to the outdoors.
• Continue growing the plant outdoors in the container until it’s a sufficient size to plant in the garden.

Leptospermum Scoparium Pests And Diseases

Leptospermum scoparium is virtually pest and disease free, but it may occasionally be a target of the following pests:

• Adult mānuka beetle
• Borers
• Scales
• Webbing caterpillars

Moreover, this plant is susceptible to root rot if planted in overly moist soil. 

The best way to fix this is to grow them in well-draining soil and provide correct growing conditions.

Uses Of Tea Tree

Tea trees are attractive landscape shrubs, with their show flowers and needle-like leaves, making them an excellent choice for containers and as garden specimens.

They’re also great for planting locations, including wall-side borders and coastal and wildlife gardens.

These plants also have good wind resistance, making them suitable for hedges. 

Aside from these uses, Leptospermum scoparium is ideal for cut flower arrangements because of its blooming stems. This made them a popular florist’s choice for many years.

Tea trees can also be used for culinary and as alternative medicine. These plants are widely cultivated in New Zealand and Australia for mānuka honey, which is produced from the nectars gathered by bees from its flowers.

The indigenous tribe Maoris or peoples of New Zealand use this plant medicinally because of its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. 

Moreover, the smoke of the wood is often used for smoking meats and fish, flavoring them.