Scientific Name: LEPTOSPERMUM rotundifolium ssp rotundifolium
Common Name: Round-leafed Tea Tree
Alternative Common Name:
Family: Myrtaceae
Height: Up to 2m (7″)
Width: Up to 2m (7″)
Description: A tall spreading, hardy shrub.
Flowers: Large, deep pink or sometimes white, eye catching flowers which appear in spring and early summer. The attractive flowers can grow to about 2 1/2 cm in diameter and can be used as cut flowers.
Soil: Adapts well to any soil types but prefers light to medium well-drained soils.
Aspects: Frost hardy to about -7oC. Drought resistant. Prefers sunny position, but can adapt to part shade.
Habitat: Native to southern NSW. Hardy and adaptable to other areas. Has become established in a small area of the south west of Western Australia. Click here to see that map.
Growing: Fill a pot or tray to 3cm (1″) from the top with moist, sandy soil. Sow seeds on surface, compress lightly and cover with a layer of sand. Add Wildflower Seed Starter Granules to surface. Keep soil moist, but not wet. Cover with clear polythene until germination. Keep in warm, shaded position.
Landscape: Open garden or shrubberies. Makes for a good screening plant or windbreak. Can be pruned lightly to shape. Attracts nectar feeding birds.
Cultivation: Germination takes up to 3 weeks. Plant out to garden at 7 1/2 cms (3″) high. Water in well and regularly around the roots until established, then weekly in dry weather. Use light applications of slow release organic fertiliser in Spring. Protect from snails and slugs.
Seed Starter Required: Recommended.
