LEPTOSPERMUM S. APPLE BLOSSOM

Description and Characteristics

Leptospermum scoparium 'Apple Blossom' is a beautiful evergreen shrub, best known for its profuse soft pink, semi-double flowers that resemble miniature apple blossoms. Blooming mainly in spring and early summer, this cultivar brings a romantic and delicate charm to sunny garden spaces. The fine, needle-like foliage is aromatic and typically green, forming a dense, upright shrub.

Native to New Zealand and Australia, Leptospermum scoparium is often referred to as New Zealand Tea Tree. ‘Apple Blossom’ grows to approximately 1.5–2 m in height and 1–1.5 m in spread, making it an excellent choice for mixed shrub borders, Mediterranean-style gardens, or as a specimen shrub. In warmer, sheltered areas, it may flower sporadically year-round.

In addition to its ornamental value, this shrub is also attractive to bees and pollinators, and it offers a wonderful alternative to more common flowering shrubs.

• Evergreen shrub with fine-textured, aromatic foliage

• Covered in soft pink, semi-double flowers in spring and early summer

• Height: 1.5–2 m; Spread: 1–1.5 m

• Upright, bushy habit with good natural shape

• Great for cottage gardens, coastal sites, and Mediterranean borders

• Attracts pollinators, including bees and hoverflies

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Leptospermum ‘Apple Blossom’ is relatively easy to grow in the right conditions. It prefers free-draining soil, full sun, and benefits from shelter against cold drying winds and hard frost.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for best flowering and foliage density

  • Will tolerate light dappled shade, though flowering may be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

  • Ideal in sandy or loamy soil types

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites—raise beds or amend with grit

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first year to establish roots

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overly wet conditions, especially in winter

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a low-phosphorus, ericaceous fertiliser

  • Avoid high-phosphorus feeds (e.g., many tomato or flower fertilisers)

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness

  • Do not hard prune into old wood—regrowth may be poor

  • Remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged stems

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy to around -5°C to -7°C (RHS H3–H4); may need protection in harsh winters

  • In colder regions, grow in a container and move to a frost-free location during winter

  • Mulch around the base in autumn for root protection

• Propagation:

  • Can be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings in summer

  • Seed propagation possible but slower and variable

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Leptospermum ‘Apple Blossom’ is ideal for adding soft colour, structure, and fine texture to sunny borders. It performs best in mild climates, coastal gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes where drainage is good and winter protection can be ensured.

• Design Uses:

  • Excellent as a feature shrub, hedging, or part of a mixed border

  • Beautiful in Mediterranean, gravel, and cottage-style gardens

  • Adds height and interest to coastal or drought-tolerant plantings

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with lavender, rosemary, cistus, grevillea, hebes, and ornamental grasses

  • Contrast with bold foliage plants like Phormium, Cordyline, or Euphorbia

  • Complements soft-palette perennials such as Gaura, Salvia greggii, and Achillea

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Highly attractive to bees and hoverflies

  • Provides early to mid-season nectar when many perennials are still dormant

  • Supports biodiversity in wildlife-friendly gardens

• Container Growing:

  • Thrives in large pots with ericaceous, free-draining compost

  • Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering

  • Ideal for patios, balconies, or sheltered entrances

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and low-maintenance

  • Watch for root rot in overly wet soils

  • Rarely affected by pests; aphids may occasionally appear on new growth

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.