Leptospermum flavescens 'Cardwell'

Leptospermum 'Cardwell' is a small evergreen shrub renowned for its weeping growth habit and masses of white flowers in spring. This hardy plant is ideal for use as a feature plant, screening plant, or windbreak and thrives in coastal environments.

Quick Overview:

• Height and Width: Grows from 2-3 meters tall and wide.
• Foliage: Evergreen with fine, slender leaves.
• Flowers: Masses of white flowers in spring that completely cover the plant.
• Growth Habit: Weeping growth habit.
• Position: Prefers sunny, open positions.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil but tolerates both wet and dry conditions.
• Tolerance: Light frost tolerance.
• Maintenance: Pruning recommended to maintain a dense and compact growth habit.

Detailed Description: Leptospermum flavescens 'Cardwell' is a striking cultivar known for its graceful, weeping form and its ability to produce a stunning display of white flowers that blanket the plant in spring. This evergreen shrub is well-suited to coastal environments, demonstrating resilience against both wet and dry conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil to perform at its best, and can tolerate light frost, making it a hardy choice for various garden settings.

This cultivar is particularly valued for its versatility in the landscape. It can serve as an eye-catching feature plant, a dense screening plant, or a robust windbreak, adding both beauty and functionality to gardens. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact form and encourages more prolific flowering.

The common name, Teatree, dates back to early Australian settlers who used the leaves of various Leptospermum species to brew herbal tea. The genus name Leptospermum is derived from the Greek words 'leptos' (thin, fine, slender) and 'sperma' (seed), referring to the plant's thin brown seeds. The cultivar name 'Cardwell' honors the town of Cardwell in northern Queensland, known as the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island.

Planting Benefits:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest with its weeping habit and mass of white flowers.
• Versatility: Suitable for use as a feature plant, screening plant, or windbreak.
• Coastal Adaptability: Thrives in coastal environments, tolerant of wet and dry conditions.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, with occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage flowering.