Leptospermum continentale

Common Name: Prickly Tea-tree

Height: 1-4 metres.

Spread: 2 metres.

Habit: Medium shrub.

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin/Habitat: Commonly found on poorly drained soils, in heaths, scrubs and forests.

Foliage: Leaves are dark green in colour, broadest at base with a sharp pointed tip, 6-18mm ´1-10mm.

Flowers: Oct – March. White in colour.

Other features for identification: Bark has a scaly appearance. Capsules to 8mm in diameter, with 5 cells.

Soil preferences: Prefers pH of neutral to acid. Fertilise at plant out with 15gm of 18:2.6:10 N.P.K slow release. Grows well in a light, well drained soil.

Cultural tolerances: Adaptable to most drainage conditions. Adaptable to sun or shade. Resistant to salt winds and frost; moderately resistant to saline soils, drought and pollution. Wind tolerance – can be placed in the front line of a windbreak.

Maintenance requirements: Low. Add a 9 month slow release fertiliser in spring.

Uses:        Windbreak   & Coastal

Other: High fire risk.

Propagation: By seed.