Lemon-scented tea tree Leptospermum petersonii
Lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to South-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. It grows 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Lemon-scented tea tree in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Lemon-scented tea tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (herbal tea, lemon flavouring) |
| Native to | South-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Lemon-scented tea tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the concentrated leaf oil should not be swallowed.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lemon-scented tea tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Lemon-scented tea tree
- How far apart should I plant Lemon-scented tea tree?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Lemon-scented tea tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lemon-scented tea tree need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lemon-scented tea tree?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Lemon-scented tea tree flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Lemon-scented tea tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the concentrated leaf oil should not be swallowed.
- What grows well with Lemon-scented tea tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lemon-scented tea tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantNET: the NSW Flora Online, National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- A graceful small tree or screening shrub with weeping branches, bright white flowers in late spring and narrow leaves with a strong lemon scent (citral and citronellal). Grown commercially for its oil, and the leaves make a lemony tea.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium