Martin’s Tea Tree/Manuka

A good form of the New Zealand shrub tea tree or manuka, Leptospermum scoparium Martini is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub with a dense, bushy habit and arching shoots. The tiny, aromatic, dark green leaves are similar to those of the closely related myrtle. The five-petalled flowers emerge ice-pink and darken to a rich pink with darker centres, covering the bush in May and June – from April to July in favourable situations. They are famously nectar-rich, and very attractive to bees and other pollinators. Martin’s tea tree will tolerate only a few degrees of frost, and is best grown against a dry, warm wall except in the mildest areas.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Light, fertile, very well drained, acidic soil
Position: Full sun or lightly dappled shade
Season of interest: Summer in particular
Hardiness: Half-hardy (down to -5ºC)
Height: up to 10’ (3m) Spread: 10’ (3m)