Leptospermum Karo Pearl Star - Tea-tree

Leptospermum Karo Pearl Star, known as the tea tree, is a small bush, graceful and very attractive for the abundance of its small pink flowers with a green heart and lovely soft green evergreen foliage.

Originally from Australia, this bush 1 to 2m (3 to 6 ft) in spread has alternate, single, pointed, rather small leaves not exceeding one centimetre in length. Prune after flowering from May to July.

The flowers of the Leptospermum Karo Pearl Star are compound with 5 pink petals and can reach 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. They are followed by small capsules releasing elongated fine seeds.

The tea tree can withstand temperatures down to -8°C (17.6 °F) but the aerial parts can be damaged from -5°C (23 °F). It needs a sheltered site, in full but not scorching sun or light shade, in a fertile and well-drained soil. In regiions with very cold winters the young plant should be grown in a pot and kept frost-free throughout the winter.

Leptospermum Karo Pearl Star can be planted in beds or borders, alongside ericaceous plants like such as azaleas, rhododendrons or maples.NB:

Leptospermum means "thin seed" and takes its common English name of tea tree from Captain Cook and his crew, who used its leaves to prevent scurvy.