Leptospermum Scoparium "Red Tea Bush' 4Liter

Botanical Name: Leptospermum scoparium (Red Flowering Cultivars)

Common Names: Red Tea Tree, Red Tea Bush, Red Manuka, Red Leptospermum

📌 Product Description

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as the Red Tea Bush, is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its profusion of vibrant red flowers that cover the plant in spring and early summer. The small, needle-like aromatic leaves create a dense, fine-textured backdrop that highlights the colourful blooms.

Originally native to Australia and New Zealand, this ornamental shrub performs well in South African gardens, especially in sunny positions with well-drained soil. The masses of bright flowers attract bees and pollinators, making it a lively addition to the garden.

With its natural bushy growth habit and striking seasonal colour, the Red Tea Bush is ideal for hedging, feature planting, and mixed shrub borders.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

Height: 2 – 4 m
Spread: 2 – 3 m
Growth Habit: Dense, upright evergreen shrub
Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun (essential for abundant flowering)
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions
Water:

• Water regularly during establishment
• Moderately drought tolerant once established
• Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged soil

Feeding: Apply compost or a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy flowering.

Maintenance:

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
• Can be clipped as an informal hedge
• Generally low maintenance

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

Best Planting Time: Spring or early autumn
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Flowering Season: Spring to early summer
Climate Suitability: Suitable for most temperate and coastal regions of South Africa
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost once established
Wind Tolerance: Good wind tolerance

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Masses of bright red flowers
• Attractive to bees and pollinators
• Evergreen structure
• Suitable for hedging or screening
• Low maintenance once established

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Informal hedging
✔ Mixed shrub borders
✔ Pollinator gardens
✔ Feature shrub planting
✔ Coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens