KUNZEA
A genus of around 38 species of evergreen trees and shrubs that are closely related to Leptospermums and were once included within that genus.
They mostly prefer full sun to partial shade on acidic, sandy, well drained soil.
They should be tip pruned when young if dense habit is preferred, however some species are more typically trees.
They do not like root disturbance; plant small container grown plants and spread out the roots. Propagation is either from seed or semi-ripe cuttings taken during early summer.
Kunzea affinis
An evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 10 feet.
The flowers are pink.
Hardy zones 8b to 10, it requires a mediterranean climate with dry summers.
Kunzea ambigua ( White Kunzea )
A moderate growing, arching, spreading, large, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 18 x 16 feet, that is native to eastern Australia.
The aromatic, crowded, linear leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are deep green.
The profuse, white flowers are borne from the leaf axils from spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 11, thriving in somewhat sheltered coastal sites where annual rainfall exceeds 20 inches.
* photo of unknown internet source
Kunzea baxteri ( Scarlet Kunzea )
A fast growing, multi-stemmed, arching, evergreen large shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 20 feet, that is native to Western Australia.
The densely arranged, linear leaves, up to 0.7 inches in length, are green.
The intense red flowers are borne on dense spikes, up to 4 inches in length, from late winter through spring.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 on light, well drained soil. Tolerates humidity and salt air but not excessive wind. Prune after blooming to encourage new growth and dense habit.
Kunzea capitata ( Pink Kunzea )
An upright, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 5 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, that is native to southeastern Australia.
The hairy leaves, up to 0.5 x 0.2 inches in size, resemble that of Erica - Heaths.
The showy, purple or pink flowers are borne on clusters at the stem tips during winter into spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 on moist, well drained soil. Humidity tolerant.
Kunzea ericoides ( Kanuka )
A majestic, fast growing, graceful, dense, evergreen tree, that is native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia. Some records include: 5 years - 10+ feet; largest on record - 100 x 30 feet with a diameter of 3.3 feet. It can live up to 135 years or more.
The narrow leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are deep green.
The showy flowers are small and white.
The attractive bark is peeling.
Hardy zones 8 to 11. It is known to grow fairly large in Cork, Ireland.
Drought tolerant.
* photo of unknown internet source
* historic archive photo
Kunzea flavescens ( Tantoon )
A gracefully arching small tree, reaching a maximum height of 40 feet, though averaging less than half that, reaching around 10 x 10 feet in 10 years. It is native to eastern Australia and Lord Howe Island.
The leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are bright green.
The small, white flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are borne during mid summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 10, reported hardy and reaching a substantial size at Sussex, England. In cooler parts of its range it should be planted against a south facing wall.
Kunzea oppositifolia
Reaches up to 10 feet.
Hardy zones 9b +
Kunzea parvifolia ( Violet Kunzea )
A moderate growing, open, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 10 feet, that is native to southeastern Australia.
The tiny, heath-like foliage is downy.
The profuse, pink, powderfuff, flowers are borne on small, terminal clusters from late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10. Prune after flowering.
Kunzea pomifera ( Muntries )
A low, prostrate, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 17 feet, that is native to sand dunes in coastal southern Australia. A great groundcover plant for the seashore.
The tiny leaves are deep green.
The fragrant, white flowers are borne on small clusters at the stem tips during late spring into early summer.
They are followed by edible berries that are green ripening to red-purple.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 on sandy soil. It is very tolerant of salty sea-breezes.
Kunzea pulchella ( Granite Kunzea )
A very attractive, dense, spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 6 feet, that is native to dry parts of southwestern Australia.
The leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are silky gray-green.
The scarlet-red flowers are borne on spikes, up to 2 inches across, at the stem tips.
The flowers attract hummingbirds and other nectar feeding birds.
Hardy zones 9 to 11, it requires a mediterranean climate with dry summers. Clip lightly after blooming is finished to encourage new growth and dense habit.
Kunzea recurva
An upright, rounded, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 8 feet.
The small leaves clasp the stems.
The bright purplish-pink flowers are borne on rounded, terminal clusters from late winter into spring.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil.
Clip lightly after blooming is finished to encourage new growth and dense habit.
var 'montana'
Similar except for yellow flowers.
LEPTOSPERMUM
A genus of close to 80 species of trees and shrubs within the Myrtle family.
They all bear 5-petalled flowers that are followed by very persistent woody capsules.
They are easy to grow but do benefit from a spring fertilize. Many species are drought tolerant however should still be watered until well established.
Tea Trees generally prefer humus-rich, acidic, well drained soil.
They do not like root disturbance; plant small container grown plants and spread out the roots.
Propagation is from seed. The cultivars can be reproduced by means of semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Leptospermum arachnoides
A spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 5 ( usually much lower and even prostrate ) feet, that is native to southeast Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
The elliptical leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are green.
The small flowers are white.
The attractive peeling bark is grayish-brown.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( tolerating as low as 19 F ) in sun or shade. Flood tolerant.
Leptospermum brachyandrum
A somewhat weeping, evergreen small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 12 feet.
The narrow leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are green.
The small white flowers are borne late spring into early summer.
The attractive bark peels to expose fresh shiny pinkish, gray or light brown beneath.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( tolerating as low as 19 F ) in sun or shade on moist well drained soil. Requires tropical or subtropical climates. Tolerates temporary flooding.
Leptospermum cunninghamii ( Cunningham Tea Tree )
An attractive, contorted, medium-sized evergreen shrub, reaching up to 7 x 7 feet.
The foliage is gray.
The profuse, showy, white flowers are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 8b to 9, thriving in the Pacific Northwest, tolerating as low as 10 F.
Drought tolerant.
Leptospermum grandiflorum
A fast growing, bushy, spreading, evergreen, large shrub, reaching a maximum size of 23 x 10 ( rarely over 12 ) feet, that is native to Tasmania. Makes a great informal hedge or screen.
The aromatic, small, silky leaves, up to 1.3 x 0.3 inches in size, are bright gray-green or silvery.
The profuse, white flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne along the branches during summer and fall. The flowers are borne on the previous seasons wood.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 ( tolerating as low as 5 F and thriving in much of the Pacific Northwest ) in full sun on well drained soil. Tolerates wet soil, heavy frosts and hard pruning. Deer resistant.
* photo of unknown internet source
'Eugene Hardy'
An exceptionally hardy form, reaching up to 20 feet and is hardy north to zone 7b ( possibly tolerating even colder than 5 F )
Leptospermum javanicum
A gnarled, evergreen small tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 10 feet, that is native to southeast Asia.
The narrow oblong leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are silky-pink turning to green.
The white flowers are borne from the leaf axils throughout the year.
Hardy zones 10 to 12, it grows in tropical climates only.
Leptospermum juniperinum ( Prickly Tea-Tree )
A handsome, erect ( with semi-weeping branches ) evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 12 feet, that is native to southeast Australia.
The sharply-pointed, linear leaves, up to 0.7 inches in length, are green.
The profuse, small, fragrant, white flowers are borne during spring and summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 ( tolerating 10 F ) in full sun on well drained soil. Tolerates flooding and drought. Easy to grow from seed.
Leptospermum laevigatum ( Coast Tea-Tree )
A very fast growing, twisted, bushy, evergreen small tree, that is native to Australia's east coast. Some records include: 20 years - 50 x 30 ( averaging half that ) feet; largest on record - 50 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.3 feet. Makes an excellent windbreak or screen, especially by the sea.
Considerd invasive in South Africa.
The round-tipped, small leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are gray-green.
The abundant, showy, white flowers, up to 0.6 inches across, are borne during late spring.
The rough, flaky bark is attractive.
Hardy zones 8 to 11, tolerating as low as 10 F. Very tolerant of drought and salty sea breezes.
* historic archive photo
'Reevesii'
A dwarf, dense, compact form, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 5 feet.
Leptospermum lanigerum ( Woolly Tea-Tree )
A fast growing, dense, erect, columnar, evergreen small tree, that is native to southeastern Australia. Long lived, it can survive well over 100 years.
Some records include: 20 years - 30 x 17 feet; largest on record - 60 x 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.5 feet. It makes a great sheared hedge.
The aromatic, oblong leaves, up to 0.8 inches in length, are woolly at first, turning to deep green.
The profuse, showy, white ( rarely pinkish-white ) flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne spring and summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 ( reports of 7 on very protected sites ) in sun or shade ( tolerates heavy shade ) on moist to wet soil. Moderately tolerant of frosts, it is hardy in southern England and large trees are known at Cornwall.
Tolerates hard pruning. Can be tip pruned for greater density and size control.
'Mt Wall'
Reaches around 10 x 5 feet, with small silvery leaves and white flowers.
Hardier ( zones 7a to 9 )
'Purpureum'
Similar but very vigorous with purple foliage that contrasts with white flowers.
'Silver Form'
Similar with silvery foliage.
Leptospermum liversidgei ( Lemon Tea Tree )
An erect, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 8 ( rarely over 6 ) feet, that is native to warmer parts of Australia's east coast.
The lemony-aromatic, narrow, tiny leaves, up to 0.3 inches in length, are bright green.
The profuse, showy, white flowers are borne during summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on moist, well drained soil. Tolerates temporary flooding as well as drought. Reported to be hardy at Kew, England. It resprouts if cut to the ground.
Leptospermum macrocarpum ( Large-Fruited Tea-Tree )
A very attractive, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of feet, that is native to the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia.
The ellptical leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are green.
The white, pink or red flowers, up to 1.3 inches across, are borne during spring and summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 11, tolerating as low as 19 F. Testing it on sheltered sites in zone 8 may be worthwhile. It tolerates deep shade as well as hard pruning.
Leptospermum madidum ( Weeping Tea Tree )
A very attractive, strongly weeping tree, reaching a maximum size of 33 x 70 feet, that is native to the Northern Territory in Australia. From a distance it looks almost identical to the weeping willow. It prefers moist soil and is usually found at waters edge in the wild.
The alternately-arranged leaves are narrow.
The tiny white flowers appear during spring.
The bark is smooth at first, later the brownish-pink bark peels off in curled strips to reveal creamy-white bark beneath.
Hardy zones 10 to 12 in full sun requiring moist soil.
Leptospermum minutifolium
A medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, that is native to New South Wales and Queensland in Australia.
The crowded, thick, tiny leaves, up to 0.3 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The flowers are small and white.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in sun or shade.
Leptospermum myrsinoides ( Heath Tea Tree )
A compact, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 6 feet, that is a widespread native to southern Australia.
The small, incurved leaves, up to 0.3 x 0.1 inches in size, are silky-hairy at first, turning to gray-green.
The abundant, white ( rarely pink ) flowers are borne during late spring.
The flowers are usually pink in bud.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 on wet or sandy soil.
Leptospermum myrtifolium
A rounded, evergreen shrub ( rarely to small tree ), that is native to New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 23 ( rarely over 10 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 11 inches.
The leaves, up to 0.3 inches in length, are finely-hairy and gray-green.
The flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are white.
Hardy zones 9 to 11
Leptospermum namadgiensis ( Alpine Tea Tree )
A rounded to spreading, small evergreen shrub, reaching up to 4 x 4 feet, that is native to alpine regions of Australia.
The small leaves are glossy, gray-green.
The white flowers, up to 1 inches across, are borne on the previous seasons growth during summer.
The handsome trunks have peeling bright orange bark.
Hardy zones 7b to 9 ( tolerating 5 F with no damage, possibly colder ) in full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Leptospermum nitidum
A very vigorous, pyramidal to rounded, evergreen shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 27 x 8 feet, that is native to Tasmania. It can also be used for screening & hedging.
The densely-arranged,aromatic leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are silky coppery-orange at first, turning to glossy deep green.
The abundant, small, white flowers are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 ( tolerating at least as cold as 10 F ) in sun or shade on well drained soil. It tolerates deep shade and moderate frost.
It requires consistent moisture and is not drought tolerant.
Leptospermum novae-angliae ( New Zealand Tea-Tree )
A dense, spreading, medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, that is native to northern New South Wales. It makes a great screen or informal low hedge.
The lance-shaped leaves are green.
The small, white flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun on just about any well drained soil.
Leptospermum petersonii ( Lemon-Scented Tea-Tree )
A fast growing, somewhat pendulous, evergreen small tree, reaching a maximum size of 66 x 15 feet, that is native to Australia's east coast. It makes an excellent street tree where it is adapted.
The lemon-scented, aromatic, lance-shaped leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are green.
The small, white flowers are borne during early summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun on just about any well drained soil.
It is not very drought tolerant so irrigation may be necessary during drought.
Responds well to pruning.
Leptospermum polygalifolium ( Tantoon Tea-Tree )
Also called Leptospermum flavescens. A fast growing, evergreen large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 33 x 16 feet, that is native to eastern Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 82 feet with a trunk diameter of 22 inches. It makes an excellent screen or windbreak.
The aromatic, narrow leaves, up to 0.8 x 0.1 inches in size, are coppery at first, turning to deep green.
The abundant, white flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne along the stems, late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 11, known to tolerate as low as 0 F and grow in Sussex, England.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade on just about any well drained soil.
It is not very drought tolerant so irrigation may be necessary during drought.
'Cardwell'
A very attractive, weeping shrub, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 7 feet.
'Pacific Beauty'
A weeping shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 8 feet, profusely bearing white flowers during spring.
'Pink Cascade'
An arching, low, spreading shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 6.5 feet.
The profuse pink flowers are borne over a long season during spring, often repeating in fall.
Leptospermum recurvum
A evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum height of 70 feet, with a tiny native range at high elevations on Mt Kinabalu, Borneo where it is a dominant forest tree.
The tiny leaves are silky beneath.
The white flowers are borne profusely from the upper leaf axils throughout the year
Hardy zones 10 to 12, it does not grow in climates where frost occurs.
Leptospermum riparium ( Rivarine Tea Tree )
A dense evergreen shrub, reaching up to 13 feet, that is native to rainforests of Tasmania where it is endangered. Makes a great hedge.
The leaves are glossy deep green, turning to deep red during winter.
The flowers are white. The stems are reddish.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 ( tolerating as least as cold as 10 F ), thriving in the Pacific Northwest preferring either moist or cool mediterranean type climates.
Prefers full sun to partial shade on moist soil but is drought tolerant.
Leptospermum rotundifolium ( Round-Leafed Tea-Tree )
A fastgrowing, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet, that is native to southeastern Australia.
The rounded leaves are deep green.
The pinkish-purple flowers, up to 1.3 inches across, are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
It prefers mild temperate climates and is moderately tolerant of frosts. Very tolerant of salt spray near the sea.
'Julie Ann'
Low and spreading, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 5 feet.
The showy blooms are bright purplish-pink.
Leptospermum rupestre
Also called Leptospermum humufusum. A low, prostrate, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 8 ( usually much lower and rarely over 3.3 ) feet, that is native to Tasmania. Great for the rock garden and cascading over walls.
The aromatic, oval leaves, up to 0.7 ( rarely over 0.3 ) inches, are glossy deep green, turning bronzy-purple during winter.
The profuse, small, white ( pink in bud ) flowers are borne along the shoots during summer.
The attractive stems are mahogany to reddish-brown.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( tolerating as low as 0 F ) in full sun on fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil with a PH under 7. Tolerates hard frosts, wet soil and drought, is hardy in England and thrives in coastal areas. In cooler climates, plant against a south facing wall and mulch deeply with a light mulch during winter.
Prune lightly after blooming for bushy habit. Do not cut into old wood as it will usually not resprout.
'Upright Form'
Twisting in habit, reaching up to 6 x 5 feet, otherwise similar.
Leptospermum scoparium ( Manuka Tea-Tree )
A fast growing evergreen shrub to small tree, that is native to most of New Zealand and southeastern Australia. Some of the largest trees on record exist in Ireland. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; largest on record - 50 x 17 ( rarely over 33 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 22 inches.
The aromatic, prickly-tipped, lance-shaped leaves, up to 1 ( rarely over 0.8 ) inch in length, are deep green. The foliage may turn to bronze-purple during cold winter weather.
The white flowers, up to 1.3 inches across, are borne during late spring and summer.
The flowers are borne along the previous years growth.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun on fertile, acidic, well drained soil. It thrives in south and western England, especially when planted against a warm south facing wall. It can also be used as a patio plant in colder climates if kept in a cool but not cold garage during winter. Very tolerant of both drought and wet soil. Prune lightly after flowering.
In some regions, it may be prone to scale.
* photos of unknown internet source
* photos taken on Aug 15 2014 @ Rawlings Conservatory, Baltimore, MD
* historic archive photos
'Aphrodite'
Reaches a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, bearing pink flowers.
Tolerates as low as 16 F.
'Apple Blossom'
Fast growing and upright but compact, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, with pinkish-white flowers.
'Autumn Glory'
Bright green foliage and deep pink, single flowers.
'Big Red'
Very showy, intense red flowers, otherwise similar.
'Burgundy Queen'
A shrub, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 10 feet, with bronze-purple foliage and deep red, double flowers.
* photos taken on Aug 15 2014 @ Rawlings Conservatory, Baltimore, MD
'Chapmanii'
Bronze foliage and deep pink flowers.
'Dark Shadow'
A tree, reaching a maximum size of 15 x 20 feet, with very deep burgundy-red foliage.
'Gaiety Girl'
Reaches a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet, with foliage that is reddish at first.
The single flowers are pink with a deep pink center.
'Kiwi'
Dwarf in habit, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 4 feet, making an excellent container plant. Some records include: 5 years - 1.8 x 1.8 feet.
The stems and foliage is deep red.
The deep pink, single flowers are borne mid spring into early summer, sporadically later in the season.
Tolerates as low as 10 F and thrives in protected gardens around Seattle.
'Lambethii'
Large, pink ( with deeper centers ), single flowers.
'Nanum Kea'
Profusely bears pink flowers.
Hardier, north to zone 7.
'Nanum Ruru'
Slow growing and dwarf in habit, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet in 5 years, eventually 2 x 3 feet.
The tiny leaves are reddish.
The deep reddish-pink flowers are borne late spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating 10 F ) planted in the ground. In a container it can tolerate no lower than 17 F even on a protected site.
'Nichollsii'
Bronze-purple foliage and deep red flowers.
'Pink Cascade'
Weeping in habit, with pinkish-white flowers.
'Red Damask'
Fast growing with foliage that is bronze turning to deep green. Some records inlude: 5 years - 8 x 8 feet.
The profuse, deep red, double flowers are borne over a long season.
'Ruby Glow'
Fast growing but compact, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 6 feet, bearing profuse, very deep red, semi-double flowers. The foliage is bronze.
'Washington Park'
Originally found at 4000 feet in elevation on South Island, New Zealand.
It reaches up to 8 x 8 feet. The small leaves turn to deep red during winter.
The large, soft pinkish-white flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne late spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 ( tolerating as low as 5 F ), thriving in the Pacific Northwest including Seattle.
Leptospermum sericeum
A very attractive, rounded, dense, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 5 feet, that is native to far southwestern Australia.
The leaves, up to 0.8 inches in length, are silky and silvery.
The deep pink flowers, up to 1 inch wide, are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( tolerating as low as 19 F ) in full sun on well drained soil.
Very tolerant of salt breezes by the sea.
Leptospermum spectabile ( Blood-Red Tea-Tree )
A rare evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 11 x 7 feet, that is native to a tiny area along the Colo River close to Sydney, Australia.
The pointed, narrow leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are green.
The attractive, deep red flowers, up to 1 inch wide, are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 9 to 11, tolerating as low as 16 F.
Leptospermum squarrosum ( Peach-Flowered Tea-Tree )
A moderate growing, open, erect, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 7 feet, that is native to southeastern Australia.
The pointed leaves, up to 0.7 inches in length, are deep green.
The large, bright pink flowers are borne during autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun on well drained soil. Salt tolerant.
Leptospermum turbinatum
An evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 5 feet.
The leaves are up to 1.2 inches in length.
The flowers are white.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on moist soil.
Tolerates severe pruning.
* photo of unknown internet source
Leptospermum wooroonooran
A gnarled, evergreen tree, that is native to cloud forests in high mountains of northeast Queensland in Australia. Some records include: 5 years - 7 feet; largest on record - 45 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet.
The foliage is deep green.
The white flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 9 to 11, tolerating as low as 19 F, requiring a climate with abundant rainfall. Tolerates deep shade.
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