Species broom tea tree
small, pinkish-white flowers with deep red centers, and small, dark-green, narrow leaves

broom tea tree

Leptospermum scoparium

The broom tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium) is a hardy shrub native to New Zealand and Australia. Its dense, low-growing foliage has dark green, needle-like leaves. In spring it produces clusters of small, white flowers, followed by small fruits. It can reach up to 10 ft (3 m) in height and prefers sunny, well-drained areas. It's an excellent choice for hedges, border plantings and xeriscapes. The flowers are attractive to bees and the foliage provides food and shelter for small mammals. The broom tea tree is an attractive, low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 10

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

red,pink,white Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Broom tea tree plants need a moderate amount of water and should be watered regularly during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. During the summer, water the plant every 7-10 days, increase the frequency if the soil appears dry. During the winter months water the plants less often, usually every 3-4 weeks. Always check the soil before watering to make sure it is not overly wet. In addition, avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of leaf diseases.

sunlight

The broom tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium) prefers full sun and can tolerate both partial sun as well as light shade. For optimal growth, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure daily. It is generally easier for this species to survive and thrive in humid climates (like coastal areas) where temperatures remain cooler and the soil becomes better hydrated. However, it is not necessary for this species to be planted near coastal areas; a common garden variety of the species can survive in any climate with adequate care and sunlight. Moreover, the broom tea tree is highly drought tolerant and does not require frequent watering to survive.

pruning

Broom tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium) should be pruned 2 or 3 times a year. It should be lightly pruned in spring to encourage dense, compact growth and heavier pruning in summer and fall to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth. During summer and fall pruning, focus on removing long, errant branches and thinning out old foliage. You should avoid pruning more than 1 third of the branches at 1 time to maintain a balanced shape. Make sure to use clean, sharp pruners to get a neat, clean cut. Additionally, keep an eye out for dried or dead tips and branches and remove them regularly.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Leptospermum scoparium typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between the months of May and July.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Leptospermum scoparium typically begins in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Leptospermum scoparium typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between the months of May and July.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Leptospermum scoparium typically begins in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map