How to Care for Leptospermum

Plant your Leptospermum where it can get lots of morning sun. Ideally, it should get about six hours of direct sunlight. Plant in an area where you won’t have to move it, since Leptopermums are sensitive to having their roots disturbed. Plant only in areas where the winter temperatures don’t fall below about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, plant it in a container and plan on bringing it inside once the outdoor temperatures become too cold.

Water your leptospermum about once every three days right after planting. Once established (about one growing season), water once a week or less. It will need supplemental water during droughts and during its bloom time, usually around November or December. Although it is drought-tolerant, it will grow more vigorously with a regular supply of water.

Prune your Leptospermum selectively and sparingly. Prune in winter so don't trim off the following year’s bloom. Thin the branches out as the Leptospermum blooms so you can use the flowers for your enjoyment. Do not shear you leptospermum if you can avoid it, since this causes a lot of dead wood to form in the middle of the plant.

Fertilize your Leptospermum in the spring when flowering is finished but before new growth begins. Select a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Fish fertilizer and manures work well, and slow-release fertilizer fertilizes over a longer period of time with fewer applications. Apply according to package directions.

Watch your Leptospermum for insects. Although Leptosprmum have few insect problems, scale and caterpillars can be a problem. A light infection of scale can be controlled by dabbing alcohol on a cotton swab and touching the insect with it. Caterpillars may be controlled with sprays or systemic applications, or by simply cutting the infested area off and burning it.