PlantFiles: Shining Tea Tree
Leptospermum nitidum

I grew this plant from seed obtained from Norfield's Arboretum 5 to 6 years ago. It is quick to grow, and is tolerant of a wide range of conditons.

I planted two plants in a bed in 2004, they are bigger than the one which has flowered, it was planted in a new bed in June this year. They have been through a lot of hard frost last winter to -9C without being at all damaged.

The Australian National Botanic gardens website states:

"This species is sometimes grown in the UK and Europe as L. grandiflorum or L. lanigerum var. grandiflorum. These names now apply to other species."

It also states that this plant is suitable to grow in heavy shade, and is suitable for a hedge or screenplant.

Considering that mine has spent a lot of time in a lot of shade, grown in a cold greenhouse in a cool climate, also that it has attractive, small foliage and flowers, it would be a good candidate for a hedge/screen.