TOP CHOICES FOR THE HOME GARDEN

groundcovers

● ‘Pink Cascade’ has been popular with gardeners since the 1980s for good reason. Its long stems become engulfed in pastel-pink, nectar-rich flowers in spring, and its dense habit deters weeds. Plant it in rockeries or along retaining walls where its cascading nature can be appreciated.

50–80cm 1.5m ST WT CT

Also consider:

● ‘Burgundy Cascade’ Similar to ‘Pink Cascade’ but with burgundy blooms.

50cm 1.2m ST WT CT

● ‘White Wave’ White flowers.

50cm 1.2m ST WT CT

low & compact

● ‘Fore Shore’ is a dwarf variety of coast tea-tree (L. laevigatum) that needs little attention once established. Non-flowering, it features a self-shaping compact habit and grey-green foliage with bronze new growth. Perfect for edging, around pools, or in containers to add a formal touch.

50cm 1m ST A WT CT

Also consider:

● ‘Bobbles’ A dwarf form of

L. rotundifolium with white flowers.

1m 1m ST WT CT

● ‘Lemon, Lime & Bitters’ A dwarf form of L. petersonii with white flowers

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

The weeping tea-tree (Leptospermum brachyandrum) has a lovely, willow-like habit; ‘Outrageous’ is a low spreading shrub with a show-stopping display of deep pink flowers; the classic ‘Pink Cascade’ is as popular as ever; ‘White Wave’ spreads up to 1.2m and makes a great groundcover; the right royal ‘Burgundy Queen’ has dark-coloured foliage and magenta-hued double flowers; ‘Fore Shore’ is a compact, non-flowering shrub that’s suited to clipping; the hybrid ‘Merinda’ combines the grace of ‘Pink Cascade’ and the vibrancy of ‘Aphrodite’. and lemon-scented foliage. 70cm 70cm ST WT CT

small to medium

● ‘Merinda’ Hybrids should showcase the best features of their parents and ‘Merinda’ does this to a tea-tree!

‘Pink Cascade’ lends its graceful arching habit and ‘Aphrodite’, its large magenta flowers with bright green centres, which pack an eye-candy punch.

1 1–1.5m ST WT CT

Also consider:

● ‘Outrageous’ Large, red show-stopping flowers age to deep pink. Weeping habit.

1.5–2m 1.5–2m ST WT CT

● L. spectabile Striking red flowers with green centres ringed with numerous stamens and light green sepals. Used in the breeding of various cultivars, including ‘Rudolf’, ‘Aphrodite’ and ‘Rhiannon’.

2–3m 1–2m ST WT CT

● ‘Love Affair’ Has soft pink flowers. 1.5m 1.5m ST WT CT

● ‘Mozzie Blocker’ Has an upright, dense habit and aromatic foliage.

Suits coastal gardens.

1.5–2m 1–1.2m T ST WT CT

tall shrubs to small trees

● ‘Starry Night’, ‘Copper Glow’ and ‘Burgundy’ All feature dense burgundy foliage and pretty white flowers.

3m 2m ST WT CT

Also consider:

● Lemon-scented tea-tree

(L. petersonii). Aromatic foliage, attractive bark. Excellent windbreak. Frost-tender.

5m 3m T ST WT

● Weeping tea-tree (L. brachyandrum).

Multi-trunked, weeping habit with green or silver foliage. Highly attractive peeling bark and white flowers.

3–5m 3–4m T ST WT