A graceful weeping tea tree smothered in masses of small white flowers in late winter and spring above fine arching foliage. A reliable, hardy feature and informal screen for native gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Weeping Tea Tree
Botanically, Leptospermum 'Cardwell' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Queensland. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Weeping Tea Tree
Weeping Tea Tree suits subtropical, warm-temperate 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 and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Weeping Tea Tree does best in loamy, free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Weeping Tea Tree is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Weeping 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 Weeping Tea Tree in the garden
Weeping Tea Tree earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge, feeding bees and pollinators and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Weeping Tea Tree with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Weeping Tea Tree
Plant Sale lists Weeping Tea Tree as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.