The Australian tea tree blooms in late spring or early summer.
The Australian tea tree, Leptospermum, belongs to the subfamily leptospermoideae of the myrtaceae family. There are approximately 86 recognized species, of which about 83 are found in Australia. Most common in acidic, low-nutrient, wet substrates, the tea tree adapts to a variety of habitats. Australian tea tree grows well either from cuttings or from seed.
Leptospermum Scoparium
The scoparium tea tree variety is found in New Zealand in addition to Australia and is the most common variety of the Leptospermum species. Classified as a shrub tree, it only reaches approximately 10 feet in height. The scoparium thrives in full sun or partial shade, blooms in late spring and early summer and is rarely affected by disease and pests. The scoparium is not native to North America, being hardy to zones 12a to 15b. Flowers possess five petals and appear singly or in clusters.
Leptospermum Epacridoideum
The epacridoideum variety of tea tree is somewhat smaller than the scoparium in that it only reaches approximately 6 1/2 feet in height. The epacridoideum measures approximately 6 1/2 feet across, giving it an almost square appearance. Little white flowers about 1/2 inch in diameter that bloom in early summer create a colorful contrast against the small, dark leaves of the plant. The epacridoideum adapts to heavy shade and tolerates cold weather down to approximately 20 degrees Celsius.
Leptospermum Juniperinum
The juniperinum variety of the tea tree plant is suitable as a screen or hedge plant, according to the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The tree is shorter than 10 feet in height and the leaves are narrow and pointed in shape and vary in length up to a little over 1/2 inch. Flowers are white in color, measure less than 1/2 inch in diameter and bloom in the spring or early summer. The juniperinum also tolerates colder weather, like the epacridoideum, and adapts to areas with poor drainage.
Tags: early summer, approximately feet, Australian tree, feet height, spring early, spring early summer