# Coastal Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum)

Australian native seed packet from Native Seed Co.

- Price: A$12.00 per 1 packet, AUD incl. GST
- Availability: in stock
- Shop page: https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/602
- SKU: NSC-602
- Packet contents: approx. 300 seeds
- Not posted to: SA, VIC — Environmental weed that forms dense stands, replacing native vegetation. Particularly invasive in coastal and near-coastal areas.

Instantly recognisable coastal species with creamy white flowers — an excellent windbreak and seaside feature.

The Coastal Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to coastal areas of southeastern Australia. It's highly valued for its ability to thrive in harsh coastal conditions, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens and landscapes. This versatile plant grows to 3-5 meters in height and produces an abundance of white flowers in spring and early summer.

## Growing specifications

- Origin: Coastal New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania
- Form: large shrub (long-lived perennial); height 3–5 m
- Sun: full sun or part shade
- Soil: sandy, loam
- Drought tolerance: high
- Frost: light frost only
- Coastal / salt tolerant: yes
- Suited climates: temperate, mediterranean, cool temperate
- Flowering season: spring
- Sowing season: autumn, spring
- Germination: 14–28 days
- Seed pre-treatment: none
- Attracts: native bees, birds
- Garden uses: windbreak, dune stabilisation, hedge, coastal garden
- Notes: The classic east-coast dune shrub. Declared an environmental weed outside its range, so it is not sold to SA or VIC.

## Highlights

- Thrives in coastal environments with salt spray tolerance
- Beautiful white flowers in spring and summer
- Excellent windbreak and privacy screen
- Attracts native birds and insects

## How to sow

1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination.
2. Prepare a well-draining seed-raising mix with added sand.
3. Sow seeds on the surface and cover lightly with fine sand or vermiculite.
4. Keep moist but not wet until germination, which typically takes 14-28 days.
5. Transplant seedlings when they have developed 2-3 pairs of true leaves.
6. Plant in a sunny position with well-draining soil.

## Care

- Water regularly during establishment (first 1-2 years).
- Reduce watering once established as the plant is drought tolerant.
- Apply a slow-release native plant fertilizer in spring if desired.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Tolerates salt spray, making it ideal for coastal gardens.

Markdown version of https://www.nativeseedco.org/product/602. Catalogue index: https://www.nativeseedco.org/llms.txt