This large shrub to small tree has single or multiple furrowed trunks and spreading branches that form an irregular open crown. It has small grey-green oblong leaves and the white wheel-shaped flowers appear in early spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Leptospermum laevigatumisnaturally found in Australia growing along the beaches in dunes or in the adjoining hillsides from Queensland to South Australia. It is also found in northern Tasmania and has naturalised in Western Australia.

It prefers a open sunny position and grows in light sandy to clay loams that are well drained and moderately fertile. It tolerates salt spray, drought and frost.

The Coastal Tea Tree is variable and is grown for its weeping habit and flowers. It is planted in coastal gardens along borders for screening or as a wind break and is used as a street tree. It establishes in 2 to 3 years and in protected positions it will form an upright tree with a rounded weeping crown. In exposed coastal positions the tree becomes wind pruned or stunted and normally forming a shrubby habit. This plant can be trained as a bonsai subject.ID 169

Leptospermum(lep-to-SPERM-um) laevigatum(lee-vih-GAY-tum)

From Greek leptos, "slender", + sperma, "seed"; "laevigatum", Latin word meaning "smooth", referring to the texture of the leaves.

Myrtaceae(mir-TAY-see-ee)
Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Clove and Guava Family