Tick Bush

Tick Bush (Kunzea ambigua) is a hardy Australian native shrub for coastal and exposed gardens, growing 1.5 to 3m tall and 2 to 4m wide. In spring it carries clusters of fringed white, honey-scented flowers over small, slender, aromatic leaves. Size varies from plant to plant, so allow generous room.

Why you'll love it

• Tough and weatherproof. It stands up to harsh winds and heavy rain, tolerates frost and copes with humidity as far north as south east Queensland.
• Spring blossom with a scent. The white, fringed flowers cover the shrub in spring and smell of honey.
• A pollinator magnet. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators visit the flowers in numbers, which makes it a strong wildlife plant.
• Shelter for small mammals. The dense foliage gives cover for small creatures, and the plant can regenerate from seed after a fire.
• Holds sand and soil. It binds banks and stabilises dunes, so it earns its keep on difficult sites.

Where it works best

Informal screens and windbreaks. Plant 2m apart for a loose, flowering screen on an exposed boundary. Expect a billowing shape rather than a clipped hedge.

Coastal gardens. It grows on sandy soils near the coast in the wild, so seaside blocks and wind-blasted sites are where it feels at home.

Banks and wildlife gardens. Use it on slopes that need holding and in native plantings built for birds, bees and small mammals.

Growing Tick Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a bright or full sun position. It occurs naturally across Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales up to south east Queensland, so cool temperate, warm temperate and subtropical gardens suit it. It tolerates frost and copes with wind, rain and humidity.

Soil. It grows in sandy soil in the wild and is happy in most free draining soils. On heavy clay, plant on a mound so water drains away from the roots.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it settles in, then let it manage on rainfall. It rarely needs fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to keep a good shape and encourage flowering next year. Avoid cutting into bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tick Bush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical choice for a long screen or bank, and the bigger pots suit gardeners after a faster start. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. A sold out tube means the grower has none, and the notify button on the page emails 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 Australian native plants
• Plants for windbreaks
• Native bee plants
• A year round guide to plants for native bees

Common questions

How big will mine get?

It varies, from 1.5m to 3m tall and 2m to 4m wide. Give it room, and prune lightly after flowering if you need to hold it to a size.

Is it suitable for a seaside garden?

Yes. It grows near the coast in the wild, tolerates harsh wind and heavy rain, and helps stabilise sandy ground and dunes.

Is there a smaller version?

Yes. Our Prostrate Tick Bush is the same species in a low, spreading form under 1m high, which suits small gardens and bank planting.