Collection of Leptospermum

This is a collection of Leptospermum, Australian shrubs also known as New Zealand tea tree or Manuka. It consists of three different varieties, distinguished by their flowering or their growth. They are evergreen shrubs with low hardiness, cultivated for the generosity of their flowering, which extends along the branches from April to July. In coastal gardens, they have a great effect as a shrub border or integrated into a hedge. Elsewhere, they will be superb in large pots on the terrace or balcony! They should be grown in non-calcareous (acid or neutral), light soil, even dry in summer.

The collection consists of:

1 Leptospermum scoparium 'Red Damask': reaching 1.30 m to 1.50 m in all directions, this variety produces double, red flowers measuring 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Slightly fragrant and nectar-rich, they appear from April to July, sometimes from March to December in Mediterranean climates. Its small leaves are dark green with brownish and greyish reflections. Hardiness: -8°C at the coldest.

1 Leptospermum scoparium 'Album': this more vigorous variety reaches a height of 3 m and spreads over 2.50 m, so it should be planted behind the other two. It bears single, white flowers with a black centre and very fine, dark green, delicate and aromatic foliage. Hardiness: -6/-7°C at the coldest.

1 Leptospermum scoparium 'Martini': an intermediate-sized variety, wider than it is tall (1.50 m tall by 1.80 m wide), highly appreciated for its vigour, floribundity and accommodating character. Its flowers open in shades of pink.

Leptospermum can tolerate temperatures as low as -8°C at the coldest, but the above-ground parts can be damaged as soon as -5°C. This shrub requires some precautions to acclimate to open ground. It likes the sun and prefers light, non-calcareous, sandy or loamy soils. It has a great effect when planted as a medium-sized hedge or in a shrub border. A minimum distance of 1 m should be respected between each plant, up to 1.50 m in a border. The two shorter varieties should be planted in front of the white variety.

The combination of Leptospermum from this collection is ideal with other plants from southern regions such as Melaleuca gibbosa, Callistemon x laevis, Feijoa, persistent Ceanothus 'Concha' and Grevillea juniperina. Add some spring-flowering shrubs in front, such as Cistus purpureus or Cistus des Corbières to lighten the scene.

In pots, choose a container of 30 to 40 litres, with drainage holes, and place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom to help with water drainage. Bring the pots indoors in October, like citrus trees, in a slightly heated veranda or a cool and bright room.