Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night'

Name: Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night'
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 470.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$470.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 75L - PRE ORDER MARCH 26TH

75L - PRE ORDER MARCH 26TH 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 0.9m – 1.5m Approx.
50cm: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night'

Leptospermum obovatum ‘Starry Night’, known as Starry Night Tea Tree, is a compact, fast-growing Australian native shrub prized for its deep purple foliage and dense, bushy habit. Growing 1–2 meters tall and wide, it creates striking contrast with its rich purple leaves and masses of delicate white, five-petaled flowers in spring and early summer that attract pollinators and native birds.

Ideal for hedging, screening, feature planting, or container gardens, this evergreen shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soils, including coastal conditions. It’s drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it a standout choice for modern, low-water landscapes and vibrant garden designs.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 2m - 3m Approximately

Mature Width: 1 – 2 meters

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 50 cm per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' frost tolerant?

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Leptospermum obovatum ‘Starry Night’ produces masses of small, bright white star-shaped flowers from late spring through summer. These delicate blooms blanket the deep burgundy-purple foliage, creating a striking contrast and a brilliant, eye-catching seasonal display.

Native Information

Is Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' an Australian Native? Yes

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' is Native to South-eastern Australia, particularly Victoria and New South Wales, where Leptospermum obovatum grows naturally in heathland and open woodland.

Wildlife Value

*Its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, hoverflies, butterflies and a wide range of pollinating insects. The dense evergreen canopy provides shelter, foraging space and nesting habitat for

Sunlight Information

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Leptospermum obovatum ‘Starry Night’ performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained sites unless improved with coarse sand and organic matter to boost drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, infrequent watering as the plant matures to support drought resilience, rich foliage colour and reliable flowering.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Starry Night Tea Tree

Genus: Leptospermum

Botanical Species: obovatum

Family: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night'

Landscape Uses

Screening or Privacy
Shrubs
Underplanting
Feature Tree

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun or partial shade.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
Place the shrub in the hole at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve moisture.

Hedging & Screening: Plant 1 m – 1.5 m apart for dense, dark foliage screening.

Feature Tree: Plant 2 m – 3 m apart to highlight rich purple tones and flower contrast.

Avenue Planting Trees: Plant 3 m – 5 m apart for compact decorative rows.

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to promote deep root growth. Reduce frequency once established, as 'Hopi' is drought-tolerant.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to promote a desirable shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. This also helps to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowering.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and prolific blooming.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

This tree prefers well-drained soil but adapts to various conditions.

Sandy Soil: Retains little moisture—add compost to improve fertility and water retention.

Clay Soil: Can be dense—improve with organic matter and sand for better drainage.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for strong root development and sustained growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range but thrives in slightly acidic to neutral conditions.

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' is expected to grow Approx. 30 – 50 cm per year.

Fast Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Starry Night’ develops excellent drought tolerance. Hardy and adaptable, it performs strongly in hot, dry and windy conditions and maintains its rich foliage colour with minimal supplementary watering.

Flowering Information

Does Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

White

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the significance of the Starry Night Tea Tree's foliage?
Its deep purple leaves create a striking and dramatic visual contrast, making it a standout feature in the garden.
Is this shrub suitable for small gardens or containers?
Yes, its compact growth habit and unique foliage make it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes and patio displays.
Can Starry Night Tea Tree attract pollinators?
Yes, its white flowers are known to attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
What makes Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' unique in the landscape?
Its dark purple foliage, delicate white flowers, and compact size make it a distinctive and ornamental addition to outdoor environments.