Coast Tea Tree, Australian teatree
Leptospermum laevigatum
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
Leptospermum laevigatum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 9
Where it is found
Found mainly on sand dunes and the coastlines of south and south-east Australia, occasionally inland on sandy soils, often in harsh windswept places where it only grows about 1 metre tall.
Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The dried leaves are used for making tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
An effective sand binder, it can be planted for soil stabilization. Can be grown as a hedge, especially in maritime areas.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam and full sun. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds. Only succeeds outdoors in the mild areas of Britain. Resents root disturbance. Does not regenerate from old wood. A good bee plant. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. The seed remains viable for many years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, early August in a frame. Over-winter in the greenhouse for its first year. Good percentage. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist