Crimson Cascade Tea Tree

Crimson Cascade Tea Tree (Leptospermum 'Crimson Cascade') is a low, wide, weeping native shrub about 50cm tall that spreads 1.5m across. Fine foliage is smothered in plum-pink flowers in spring and again in autumn, and the stems tumble over walls, rocks and banks.

Why you'll love it

• Two flowering seasons. Masses of deep plum-pink flowers open in spring and again in autumn.
• A cascading habit. Long stems trail down walls and banks, softening hard edges without any training.
• A native bees love. Tea tree flowers are a reliable source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators.
• Tough in wet or dry. It tolerates light frost, short dry spells and even heavy or seasonally waterlogged soil.
• Low and wide. At only 50cm high it fits in front of taller shrubs and under windows.

Where it works best

Retaining walls and banks. Plant 1m apart along the top of a wall or bank. The stems drape over the face and cover bare ground in two to three seasons.

Groundcover and foreground planting. At 1m spacing the plants knit into a continuous low mat, which suppresses most weeds and brings colour to the front of the bed.

Rockeries. Stems spill over stones and gravel, and the fine foliage contrasts well with coarser plants.

Growing Crimson Cascade Tea Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the heaviest flowering in sun. It tolerates light frost, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens without severe frost.

Soil. Very adaptable, and unusual among natives in tolerating heavy or seasonally waterlogged soil. Reasonable drainage still gives the best result.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Feed once a year with a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune as required to promote new growth, ideally straight after flowering. Take only soft tips and avoid cutting into bare old wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Crimson Cascade Tea Tree as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and compact, and the stems begin to arch and trail once the plant has settled in warm weather. Tube stock is grown for us and is not always available. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our tea tree range
• Leptospermum care guide for Australian gardens
• Plants for retaining walls
• More groundcovers for sun and shade

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it as a groundcover?

Plant 1m apart. The shrubs spread about 1.5m, so neighbours overlap and cover the ground in two to three seasons.

Does it flower twice a year?

Yes. The main flush is in spring and a second one follows in autumn, with the best display in a sunny spot.

How does it differ from Pink Cascade?

Crimson Cascade is a sibling of the popular Pink Cascade, with deeper plum-pink flowers on the same low, trailing stems.