Lemon Tea Tree, Common teatree
Leptospermum petersonii
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
Leptospermum petersonii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). 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. 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 tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 4.5
Where it is found
Not known
Australia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves are used to brew a strongly aromatic tea, or they can be added as a flavouring to china tea. They are strongly lemon-scented.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves, and especially the essential oil obtained from them, is antibacterial.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Other
Rating: 2
An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a bactericide.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds 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. This species is not very cold-tolerant, it only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain. Plants are slightly frost-tender in Australian gardens. Plants resent root disturbance and should be put out into their permanent positions as soon as possible. Does not regenerate from old wood. 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