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Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium

Mānuka (tea tree) (Leptospermum scoparium) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to New Zealand and south-eastern Australia. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.

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Mānuka (tea tree) at a glance

TypePerennial shrub, evergreen
FamilyMyrtaceae
Mature height2–4 m (6.6–13 ft)
Mature spread1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft)
Spacing1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre
SunFull sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day
WaterModerate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate
Soil pH5–7
Cold hardinessAbout -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8)
Heat stressLikely above about 33 °C (91 °F)
Floweringfrom about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceHigh
Pollinator valueHigh
EdibleYes: leaves (tea)
Native toNew Zealand and south-eastern Australia
Common in gardens of🇦🇺 Australia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Is Mānuka (tea tree) toxic?

No toxicity reported for the plant itself; concentrated tea tree essential oils can poison pets.

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 Mānuka (tea tree)

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.

Keep apart or take care

See Mānuka (tea tree) in a botanical garden

It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:

Questions about Mānuka (tea tree)

How far apart should I plant Mānuka (tea tree)?
About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
Does Mānuka (tea tree) need full sun?
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Mānuka (tea tree) need?
Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
How cold-hardy is Mānuka (tea tree)?
It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
When does Mānuka (tea tree) flower?
From about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Mānuka (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. No toxicity reported for the plant itself; concentrated tea tree essential oils can poison pets.
What grows well with Mānuka (tea tree)?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mānuka (tea tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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