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| Category: Tree |
| Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtles) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 20-30 feet |
| Width: 20-30 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Leptospermum laevigatum (Australian Tea Tree) - This is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree that, with age, develops a structurally beautiful and sculptural spreading, twisting and curving trunk and branches which have the tendency to arch along the ground. It grows 15-30 feet high and 20-30 feet wide with small, pointed oblong, dull green leaves on gracefully pendulous branches. Small rose-like white flowers appear in spring. Plant in full sun to light shade in most soil types where it is drought tolerant and hardy to around 25 degrees F. It will grow in seaside conditions but may need protection from hot, dry winds. It naturally forms an open sprawling shrub with sculptural branches but also responds well to trimming or even hedging and can also be trained as a bonsai subject. This plant is common in coastal areas in the Australian states of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and possibly into South Australia where it grows on sand dunes and cliffs; there it is called Coast Tea Tree. This tree has also grown outside of its native range in other parts of Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Hawaii. The genus name come from the Greek word 'leptos' meaning "thin" and 'sperma' meaning "seed" in reference to the small seeds and the specific epithet means "smooth", likely for the smooth hairless leaves .
The information about Leptospermum laevigatum displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources we consider reliable. We will also relate those observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and in other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has additional information, particularly when they share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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