Weeping Tea Tree

Weeping Tea Tree (Leptospermum madidum) is the tree to plant when you want movement rather than mass. It reaches about 5m tall and 3m wide, hanging fine blue green foliage from branches that arch over and fall, above a trunk of pale papery bark. It is a fast growing northern Australian native, so heat, humidity and long dry spells are normal conditions, not a stress test.

Why you'll love it

• A genuine weeping habit. The branches really do cascade, so the tree moves in the slightest breeze instead of standing still like most small natives.
• Fast, but it knows where to stop. It puts on height quickly, then settles at around 5m: a manageable ceiling for a suburban block.
• Fine leaves, easy poolside. The narrow foliage is light and there is no heavy fruit drop, so it suits planting near paving and water.
• Bark worth looking at. Pale papery bark peels in layers, keeping the trunk interesting through winter.
• It feeds the garden. Small white flowers bring in birds, native bees and butterflies.

Where it works best

Feature planting in a small garden. At 5m by 3m it fits where a eucalypt never could, so one tree can carry a courtyard. Allow 3m of width and let the skirt hang low.

Soft screening. Plant 2m apart in a row for a screen that filters a view instead of walling it off. It reads as a green curtain, which suits a boundary you want softened rather than sealed.

Poolside and driveways. Fine foliage and light litter suit pool paving, and a matched row along a driveway at 2m spacing is one of its best uses.

Growing Weeping Tea Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun builds the densest crown; part shade is tolerated but the weeping effect weakens. This is a plant for tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and arid or semi arid gardens. It takes light frost only, so cold tablelands and hard frosting southern districts are a real limit.

Soil. It tolerates poor soil and is not fussy about type, but it does want drainage. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound. Mulch 75mm deep, kept back from the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then taper off: it is genuinely drought tolerant once established. A controlled release low phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring is plenty.

Pruning. Tip prune while young to build the framework and set the height of the head. Avoid cutting into bare old wood, because tea trees are reluctant to reshoot from it.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in tube, 140mm and 200mm multi packs, 300mm pots, and 45L and 100L sizes. The small packs are the value choice for an avenue or a long screen: young plants that establish fast and catch up within a season or two. The 45L and 100L plants arrive with real height and the weeping head already formed.

Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a quiet fortnight, then new growth within about six weeks in warm weather. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse more Australian native trees
• Compare feature trees for smaller gardens
• Preparing a new garden bed before planting
• Water wise plants for dry gardens

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Quickly. With water through the first two summers it reads as a tree rather than a shrub within about three years, then slows as it nears its mature 5m.

Will it cope with frost?

Light frost only. The odd white morning in a warm temperate garden is fine once established, but repeated hard frost will damage it. Cool inland and southern gardens should treat it as marginal.

Can I keep it below 5m?

Yes, within reason. Regular tip pruning through the early years holds it near 3m to 4m and thickens the crown at the same time.