Leptospermum continentale, commonly known as the Prickly Tea Tree, is a hardy shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia. It has small, narrow leaves and produces an abundance of small, white/pink flowers in spring and summer. The foliage has a pleasant, spicy fragrance, and the flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. It is tolerant of a range of soil types and can be grown in full sun or part shade. This plant is ideal for hedging or screening, and its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for windbreaks or noise reduction. It can also be used in coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salt spray.
Leptospermum continentale
PRICKLY TEA-TREE
Description
Height: 4-6 m
Width: 3-4 m
Aspect: Prefers full sun to part shade.
Flowers: Produces an abundance of white, pink, or red flowers in spring and summer, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Uses: This species is commonly used in revegetation projects, as a windbreak or screen, and in ornamental gardens as a specimen plant or in mixed borders. It is also valued for its honey production and the tea that can be made from its leaves. Additionally, the essential oil from the leaves has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous Australians.
