Leptospermum ericoides

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

Leptospermum ericoides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. 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 and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Lowland to montane shrubland, especially on margins, North and South Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

A refreshing tea can be made from the young shoot tips.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves and young shoots are antihalitosis, antiphlogistic, astringent, depurative, sedative and stomachic.

Antihalitosis: Treats bad breath

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

Wood - hard, durable. Used for bridges, shingles etc. When burned, it gives off a delicious aroma.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

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. Grows best in an acid sandy soil. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds. This species is not very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, though there are montane forms that might be hardier. It only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. Resentful of root disturbance, plants should be pot grown and planted out in their final positions as soon as possible. The flowers have a delicate sweet perfume. Plants do 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 and plant out after the last expected frosts. 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;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Kunzea ericoides.