Leptospermum laevigatum

Common Name: Coast Tea-tree

Height: 2-8 metres.

Spread: 5 metres.

Habit: Large shrub to small tree.

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin/Habitat: Found on coastal sands, often as a dominant species.

Foliage: Leaves are a dull grey-green colour, oval in shape, 1.5-3cm ´ 6-12mm, flat and stiff with a smooth edge.

Flowers: Sept–Nov. White in colour.

Other features for identification: Bark has a scaly appearance and flakes in thin strips. Capsules have a flat top, with 8-10 cells.

Soil preferences: Fertilise at plant out with 15gm of 18:2.6:10 NPK slow release. Prefers moist well drained, dry or dry limy soils.

Cultural tolerances: Will grow from tropical to cool temperature zones in poor sandy soils. Adaptable to most drainage conditions. Requires full sun. Very resistant to salt winds; moderately resistant to saline soils, drought and frost.

Maintenance requirements: Prune, and add a 9 month slow release fertiliser in spring.

Uses:      Ornamental , Bird Attracting , Windbreak,   Erosion Control & Coastal

Other: High fire risk.

Propagation: All species can be grown by seed, they can also be reproduced by semi-hardwood and soft tip cuttings.