Vertical Drop Tea Tree

Vertical Drop Tea Tree (Leptospermum polygalifolium 'Vertical Drop') is a dwarf native shrub that grows low and wide, about 40 to 50cm tall and 1m to 1.2m across. Arching layers of stems cascade like a curtain and carry white tea tree flowers in winter and spring. Out of flower, the neat small foliage looks like a weeping casuarina 'Cousin It'.

Why you'll love it

• A cascading habit. Layers of arching stems drape over walls and slopes with no training or fuss.
• Winter and spring flowers. White flowers cover the stems when little else is in bloom, and bees and butterflies find them quickly.
• Tolerates almost anything. Sand, clay, seasonal wet and dry, salt spray and coastal wind are all within its range.
• Easy care. Light tidying is all it needs, so it suits busy gardeners and low maintenance planting.
• Neat all year. Small, tidy foliage keeps its shape out of flower, so the plant never looks scruffy.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 1m apart. At that spacing the plants overlap in two to three seasons and form a dense low mat of foliage.

Banks and retaining walls. Plant along the top and the stems cascade down the face, softening hard lines and holding the edge of a bank.

Coastal and exposed gardens. Salt spray and wind roll off it, so it suits beachside and exposed plantings as a feature shrub or low screen.

Growing Vertical Drop Tea Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun suits it best, though it grows in dappled shade. It tolerates drought and comes through light overnight frost, and suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens.

Soil. Very hardy and forgiving. In the wild it grows in sand, peat swamps and bushland, so it handles seasonal wet and dry in most garden soils.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it settles in, then leave it to the weather. Feed with a controlled release native fertiliser in autumn and spring.

Pruning. Lightly prune if necessary to manage growth or tidy the plant, and stay within the leafy growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Vertical Drop Tea Tree as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6 for faster cover. Expect a small plant that starts to arch and spread in its first season. Availability of the tube depends on our grower. It shows as sold out whenever there is none, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day plants are back in stock.

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 trees
• Leptospermum care guide for Australian gardens
• Plants for retaining walls
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it as a groundcover?

Plant 1m apart. The shrubs grow 1m to 1.2m wide, so they overlap and cover the ground in two to three seasons.

Will it cope with coastal wind and salt spray?

Yes. It tolerates salt spray, coastal wind and exposed positions, along with sandy soil.

Does it flower in winter?

Yes. White flowers appear in winter and spring, with the heaviest display in a sunny position.