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New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka

Leptospermum Scoparium

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Overview

The New Zealand Tea Tree, or Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), is an evergreen shrub reaching up to 16 feet tall. It boasts dense, needle-like leaves and spring blossoms in white or pink. Manuka thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, proving hardy to 20°F. Ideal for hedges or as a specimen, this tea tree requires minimal water once established and adds a distinct, durable presence to landscapes.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, Low, Very LowZones 9–10Type Shrub
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — ensuring enough space for mature growth and ample light for a vibrant show of flowers every year

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Low, Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Myrtaceae

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Photos (126)

New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — known scientifically as Leptospermum scoparium and colloquially as Manuka; shrub for full or half
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — Manuka thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, proving hardy to 20°F; though regular, image 72
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — showcasing a palette of white; manuka serves a notable role in apiculture, image 59
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — Manuka thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, proving hardy to 20°F
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — as bees use its flowers to produce the highly regarded Manuka honey; ensuring enough space, image 89
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — The plant's blossoms appear in late spring and early summer, image 104
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — this tea tree requires minimal water once established and adds a distinct; needle-like, image 51
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — as bees use its flowers to produce the highly regarded Manuka honey; ensuring enough space, image 66
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — known scientifically as Leptospermum scoparium and colloquially as Manuka; shrub for full, image 76
New Zealand Tea Tree, Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) — which often draws pollinators to the garden.<br><br>Adaptable to a range of soil types, image 106
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Leptospermum Scoparium
Photographs by 6 contributors

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