Leptospermum

Leptospermum - New Zealand’s Best Manuka Trees

Growing colourful NZ-native trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Manuka and the right one for your space. These Leptospermum have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Leptospermum, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Manuka

1. Is Leptospermum the same as manuka?

Yes, Leptospermum is the same as manuka. Manuka is the common name for the Leptospermum scoparium plant, which is native to New Zealand and Australia. Manuka is known for its honey, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

2. What is the Maori name for Leptospermum?

The Māori name for Leptospermum is mānuka. It is pronounced as "maa-noo-kah".

Mānuka is a native plant to New Zealand and is highly valued by the Māori people for its many uses. It is used to make tea, honey, medicine, and tools. Mānuka honey is particularly prized for its medicinal properties, and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including wounds, burns, and infections. Mānuka is also a culturally significant plant for the Māori people. It is often planted in sacred places, and is used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.

The word "mānuka" is thought to come from the Proto-Polynesian word nukanuka, which refers to a similar-looking plant in the Pacific. The Māori people also have a number of other names for mānuka, including kahikātoa, taramānuka, and pata.

3. Is Leptospermum native to NZ?

Leptospermum, also known as manuka, is native to New Zealand. It is a common shrub or small tree found throughout the country in a wide range of habitats, including wetlands, coastal areas, and lowland forests.

4. What is another name for Leptospermum?

Leptospermum is commonly known as manuka, especially in New Zealand and Australia. It is also known by a number of other names, including:

• Tea tree
• New Zealand laurel
• Broom tea tree
• Native laurel
• Swamp tea tree
• Kai tea tree
• Teatree

5. Can you get tea tree oil from Leptospermum?

Yes, tea tree oil can be extracted from the leaves of Leptospermum scoparium, also known as manuka. Manuka is a native plant to New Zealand and Australia, and its essential oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.

Yes, tea tree oil can be extracted from the leaves of Leptospermum scoparium, also known as manuka. Manuka is a native plant to New Zealand and Australia, and its essential oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. To extract tea tree oil, the leaves are steam distilled. This process produces a clear, pale yellow oil with a strong, camphor-like aroma.

Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. Tea tree oil is also used to disinfect wounds and burns. While it is a powerful essential oil, and it should be used with caution. It is important to dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or almond oil, before applying it to the skin. Tea tree oil should never be ingested.

Here are some of the benefits of using tea tree oil:

• Treats acne: Tea tree oil can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause acne.
• Eczema: Tea tree oil can help to soothe itching and reduce inflammation caused by eczema.
• Psoriasis: Tea tree oil can help to reduce scaling and inflammation caused by psoriasis.
• Dandruff: Tea tree oil can help to kill the fungus that causes dandruff.
• Disinfects wounds and burns: Tea tree oil can help to prevent infection in wounds and burns.

Tea tree oil is a versatile and effective essential oil that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. However, it is important to use it with caution and to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

6. What is the best Leptospermum for hedging?

The best Leptospermum for hedging is 'Red Damask'. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub with dense foliage and bright red flowers. It is also relatively low-maintenance and can be trimmed into any desired shape. Other good options include:

• Leptospermum 'Blushing Star' has soft pink flowers with a deep maroon centre.
• Leptospermum 'Wiri Susan' has large, bright pink flowers.
• Leptospermum 'Wiri Sandra' has a compact growth habit and small, white flowers.

When choosing a Leptospermum for hedging, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Growth habit: Some Leptospermum species are more upright than others, while others have a more spreading habit.
• Flower colour: Leptospermum flowers come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, and red.
• Maintenance requirements: Some Leptospermum species require more maintenance than others owing to their growth rate mainly.

Once you have chosen a Leptospermum species for hedging, plant the shrubs about 50 cm apart.

7. How hardy is Leptospermum?

Leptospermum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. It is native to New Zealand and Australia, where it grows in a wide range of habitats, including wetlands, coastal areas, and lowland forests. Most species of Leptospermum -12 degrees Celsius. Leptospermums are also drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils. However, they will grow best in a well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade.