White Wave Tea Tree

White Wave Tea Tree (Leptospermum polygalifolium 'White Wave') is a dwarf native shrub that grows low and wide, about 40 to 50cm tall and 1 to 1.2m across. In spring its arching, layered branches are covered in larger than usual white tea tree flowers, each with a fresh green centre. It covers ground, softens walls and stands up to coastal conditions.

Why you'll love it

• Bigger flowers than most. Spring flowers are larger than usual and so densely set that the branches look frothy, like surf.
• Low and wide. At 40 to 50cm tall and up to 1.2m wide, it covers ground instead of climbing above it.
• Coastal resilience. It tolerates salt spray and coastal wind, so it suits exposed seaside gardens.
• Very forgiving. It is hardy in all types of soil, takes full sun or dappled shade, and tolerates frost once mature.
• Good for wildlife. Tea tree flowers are a food source for bees and birds.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 1m apart. The arching branches knit together as they mature and shade out many weeds.

Banks and retaining walls. Set it at the top of a wall or down a bank, where the branches arch over and soften the edge.

Native and coastal gardens. Use it as a low feature shrub at the front of native borders, where its layered form shows off the spring flowers.

Growing White Wave Tea Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun suits it best, though it tolerates dappled shade. It is frost tolerant once mature and handles salt spray and coastal wind, which makes it useful from subtropical coasts through to cool temperate gardens.

Soil. Very hardy and forgiving, it grows in all types of soil, including clay and sand. Mulch to hold moisture while young plants establish.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer, then it manages on rainfall in most districts. Feed with a native fertiliser after flowering.

Pruning. Prune lightly after flowering to keep the shrub dense, removing only soft new growth. Tea trees seldom reshoot from bare old wood, so never cut back into leafless stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Wave Tea Tree as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical way to cover a bank or a long edge, while the 200mm pots arrive bushier and fill their space sooner. Both settle fast in warm soil.

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

• Tea tree care guide for Australian gardens
• Browse more tea trees
• Other groundcover plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it as a groundcover?

About 1m apart, which matches its mature width of 1 to 1.2m. The arching branches overlap as they mature and close the gaps.

Is it suitable for coastal gardens?

Yes. It tolerates salt spray and coastal wind, and it is hardy in all soil types, including sandy coastal ground.

When should I prune it?

Straight after flowering, and lightly. Take off only soft new growth, and avoid cutting into bare old wood, which seldom reshoots.