Australian Teatrees - genus Leptospermum Australian National Botanic Gardens Australian National Herbarium

Leptospermum sericeum      family MYRTACEAE

Rounded shrub to 2 m high by 1.5 m diameter with silvery-grey, obovate leaves to 1&endash;2 cm long. Pink flowers to 2 cm diameter occur in spring. A red form of this species was reported several years ago from the islands to the south of WA. The author has not seen this form in cultivation.

Distribution: WA.

Propagation From seed or cuttings.

Cultivation See note on genus. Probably the best of the WA Leptospermum spp. and a profuse flowerer. Requires excellent drainage and full sun. Does not flower well in the subtropics.

• Frost-hardy. (Plants given an this rating will tolerate frosts to -7°C in conditions of normal rainfall.)
• Recommended for their foliage.
• May be used as features.
• Resistant to salt spray.

Conservation Status: 2KC-

© Photograph, e-mail photo@anbg.gov.au for details.