New Zealand Tea Tree

New Zealand tea tree, or mānuka, is a variable evergreen shrub or small tree with fine aromatic foliage and a seasonal display of small flowers. Depending on form and setting, it can work as a flowering screen, wind-sheltered border plant, or wildlife-garden shrub. ## Flowers and foliage The [RHS species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9978/leptospermum-scoparium/details) describes a rounded evergreen shrub, usually about 2.5 m tall, with dark, aromatic leaves and white flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers attract bees. New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-plants/manuka-kahikatoa-and-kanuka/) emphasizes how variable mānuka is, ranging from low creeping forms to trees, and notes that flowers can be white or pink-flushed. ## Growing conditions Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained acidic to neutral soil. Give young plants protection from severe cold. Mānuka is useful in coastal gardens and informal screens, but mature size varies considerably by form and climate. ## Maintenance Prune lightly after flowering to shape young plants; avoid cutting hard into old wood. Water during establishment and prolonged dry weather, especially in containers.