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 happy on low water 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 manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
