A medium shrub smothered in deep red flowers in spring against fine green foliage. A hardy, bee-attracting feature and informal screen for low-water gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Cardinal Tea Tree
Botanically, Leptospermum 'Cardinal' is a shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Cardinal Tea Tree
Cardinal Tea Tree suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds, is a genuinely water-wise choice and is suitable for bushfire-prone (BAL) gardens.
Soil & planting
Cardinal Tea Tree does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Cardinal Tea Tree performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Cardinal Tea Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Cardinal Tea Tree in the garden
Cardinal Tea Tree earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Combine Cardinal Tea Tree with plants that share its preference for low water use and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Cardinal Tea Tree
Plant Sale lists Cardinal Tea Tree as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed with your quote; ask about your preferred size before planning a purchase.
