Leptospermum petersonii
F.M.Bailey.
Lemon Tea Tree, Common teatree
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(c) Greg Tasney, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Greg Tasney
Description
Leptospermum petersonii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Tea. The leaves are used to brew a strongly aromatic tea, or they can be added as a flavouring to china tea. They are strongly lemon-scented.
Medicinal Uses
Antibacterial. The leaves, and especially the essential oil obtained from them, is antibacterial.
Distribution
Australia.
Where It Grows
AUSTRALASIA: Australia (New South Wales (northeast), Queensland (north & east))
Cultivation
Succeeds in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam and full sun. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds. This species is not very cold-tolerant, it only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain. Plants are slightly frost-tender in Australian gardens. Plants resent root disturbance and should be put out into their permanent positions as soon as possible. Does not regenerate from old wood. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. The seed remains viable for many years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, early August in a frame. Over-winter in the greenhouse for its first year. Good percentage. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage.
Other Uses
Essential Hedge HedgeAn essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a bactericide.
