How to Grow Australian Tea Tree and Westringia

Australian Tea Tree and Westringia

Leptospermum scoparium and Westringia fruticosa

shrub

These are two iconic Australian native shrubs prized for their ornamental qualities and resilience. Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree) is a hardy, compact shrub with delicate flowers and aromatic foliage, while Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is an upright, drought-tolerant shrub with fine needle-like leaves and small tubular flowers.

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Example Australian Tea Tree and Westringia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Australian Tea Tree and Westringia
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Australian Tea Tree and Westringia
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Australian Tea Tree and Westringia dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; both tolerate partial shade but flower better in full sun

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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established. Water regularly during establishment (first 6-12 months), then reduce frequency. Both are drought-tolerant but perform better with occasional deep watering during dry periods. Avoid waterlogging.

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Spacing: 24-36 inches apart depending on mature size desired inches

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Days to maturity: 18-24 months to reach ornamental maturity; flowering typically begins in year 2

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery pot; do not bury stem collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly loam

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Coarse sand or gravel for drainage Perlite or pumice Minimal organic matter (both prefer lean soils)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 8-11; both thrive in Mediterranean and warm temperate climates

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

3-6 months

Young transplants with emerging shoots and developing root systems

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist (not wet). Provide afternoon shade in hot climates during first summer. Avoid fertilizing; these plants prefer poor to moderate soil.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Plant develops dense foliage and establishes shape; no flowers yet

Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Prune lightly to encourage bushiness if desired. Do not over-fertilize. Gradually expose to full sun.

Flowering

4-8 weeks, typically spring to early summer

Abundant small flowers appear along branches; Leptospermum displays delicate pink or white blooms, Westringia shows white, pink, or purple tubular flowers

Maintain consistent watering during bloom. No deadheading necessary but can extend bloom by removing spent flowers. Do not prune during flowering.

Seed Set & Maturation

6-8 weeks

Flowers fade, small seed capsules develop; plant consolidates energy

Reduce watering slightly. Allow seed capsules to mature naturally if desired for propagation. Light summer pruning can be done post-flowering.

Dormancy/Maintenance

3-4 months

Plant enters slower growth phase in late autumn/winter; foliage remains year-round

Minimize watering in winter. No fertilizer needed. Prune shape lightly if desired in late winter before spring growth. Both shrubs are evergreen.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Banksia species Hakea species Grevillea varieties Callistemon (Bottlebrush) Melaleuca species Rosemary (Mediterranean) Lavender Santolina Lamb's ear

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders (nitrogen-loving plants) Plants requiring consistently moist soil (hostas, astilbe, ferns) Allelopathic plants that inhibit growth Spray-intensive vegetable gardens

Common Pests

Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap during dormancy; prune heavily infested branches. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Increase humidity with occasional misting; spray with neem oil or miticide if severe. Remove heavily affected foliage.
Improve air circulation with strategic pruning. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if persistent; choose resistant cultivars.
Remove affected leaves promptly. Improve drainage and air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage; water at soil level only.

Uses

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Leptospermum Tea & Beverages

Culinary

Leptospermum scoparium leaves brew into a fragrant herbal tea with mild, slightly sweet flavor. Historically used by Maori and early European settlers in New Zealand as a vitamin C-rich beverage. [source]

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Antimicrobial & Traditional Remedies

Medicinal

Both species contain essential oils with antimicrobial properties. Leptospermum is studied for potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits; traditionally used for minor wounds and digestive support. [source]

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Ornamental Landscaping & Hedge Use

Household

Both are excellent landscape shrubs for xeriscaping, coastal gardens, and low-maintenance designs. Westringia is particularly valued as a formal or informal hedge plant; both attract pollinators and birds. [source]

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Floral Arrangements & Garden Design

Craft

Delicate branches and abundant flowers make both species ideal for fresh or dried floral arrangements. Flowers dry well for potpourri and craft projects. [source]

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Pollinator & Bird Habitat

Wildlife

Both shrubs are excellent native plants for supporting native bees, butterflies, and honeyeaters. They provide nectar, pollen, and shelter for local fauna in Australian and Mediterranean gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not typically harvested like a crop. For ornamental use, cut fresh stems for arrangements in peak flowering season (spring-early summer). For Leptospermum, harvest leaves anytime for tea or aromatic use; fresh or dried. For seed propagation, collect seed capsules when mature and dry (late summer).

Fun Facts

🌱 Leptospermum scoparium is native to New Zealand (despite the 'Australian native' grouping in common parlance), and the Maori people have used it medicinally for centuries; modern research has validated some traditional uses.
🌱 Westringia fruticosa is also called 'Coastal Rosemary' because it thrives in coastal salt spray and sandy environments where true rosemary struggles, making it an excellent salt-tolerant alternative.
🌱 Leptospermum produces tiny seed capsules that can remain on the plant for years, gradually releasing seed to germinate after fire or disturbance—an adaptation to fire-prone Australian ecosystems.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade pH Transplant

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