Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' - Evergreen Trees Direct

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Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' 40cm/45L - Evergreen Trees Direct

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

$470.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 75L

75L 40cm/45L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Approximately 0.9 – 1.5 m at dispatch.
75L: Approximately 1.5 – 2.0 m at dispatch (specimen-grade).

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1.5 – 2.5 m

Mature Width: 1 – 2 m

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

Root Ball Dimensions

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)

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About Your New Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night', commonly known as the Starry Night Tea Tree, is a compact evergreen Australian native shrub valued for its distinctive deep burgundy-purple foliage and masses of small white star-shaped flowers through spring. The fine dark foliage holds its colour year-round and provides outstanding contrast against the bright white spring flowering, making it one of the most striking small Australian native shrubs available.

It performs reliably in full sun with well-drained soil and adapts to a wide range of Australian climates from subtropical Queensland through to cooler temperate regions. Mature plants reach approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide, forming a dense compact shrub that responds well to light pruning. Once established it is highly drought tolerant, frost hardy and copes with coastal exposure, making it an exceptionally low-maintenance native feature.

As a striking dark-foliage Australian native for modern, native, coastal, wildlife and low-maintenance gardens, in informal hedges, feature plantings, mixed shrub borders and as a colour contrast against green or silver foliage, Leptospermum 'Starry Night' brings year-round burgundy foliage, brilliant white spring flowering, native bird and pollinator attraction and reliable hardiness in a compact, design-friendly form.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Leptospermum 'Starry Night' Tea Tree

What is Leptospermum 'Starry Night'?

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night', commonly known as the Starry Night Tea Tree, is a compact evergreen Australian native shrub selected for its distinctive deep burgundy-purple foliage and masses of small white star-shaped flowers in spring. It is one of the most striking dark-foliage native shrubs available and reliably holds its colour through every season.

How big does Starry Night Tea Tree grow?

Mature plants reach approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide, forming a dense compact rounded shrub. Growth is moderate to fast at 30 to 50 cm per year in suitable conditions, and the plant can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or shaped into an informal hedge at 1 to 1.5 metres.

When does Starry Night Tea Tree flower?

'Starry Night' produces masses of small white star-shaped flowers from late spring through early summer, typically October to December. The flowers are intensely produced across the whole plant and create a brilliant contrast against the burgundy foliage. Flowering attracts bees, hoverflies and other native pollinators.

Where does Starry Night grow best?

'Starry Night' performs reliably across most Australian climates from subtropical Queensland through to cooler temperate Victoria and Tasmania. It grows particularly well in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, the NSW tablelands and coastal positions, and prefers full sun with well-drained sandy or loam soil. It tolerates a wide range of soils provided drainage is adequate.

Is it drought and frost tolerant?

Yes. Once established, 'Starry Night' is highly drought tolerant and copes with extended dry periods on minimal supplementary watering. It is also frost hardy and handles heavy and frequent frost without damage, making it suitable for inland tablelands as well as coastal positions. The dark foliage colour actually deepens in cooler weather.

Can Starry Night be used as a hedge?

Yes. 'Starry Night' responds well to pruning and is widely used as an informal hedge or screen at 1 to 1.5 metres spacing. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain density and shape. For a more compact formal look, prune two to three times through the warmer months. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood as Leptospermums generally do not regenerate well from bare stems.

Does Starry Night attract birds and wildlife?

Yes. The masses of small white flowers are nectar-rich and attract bees, hoverflies, butterflies and a wide range of native pollinating insects through spring and early summer. The dense evergreen canopy also provides shelter and foraging habitat for small native birds, making 'Starry Night' a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

How do I care for Leptospermum 'Starry Night'?

Water deeply through the first growing season, then reduce watering and supplement only during extended dry periods. Apply a slow-release native fertiliser low in phosphorus in early spring. Light tip pruning after flowering maintains a dense compact shape and encourages dense branching. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as Leptospermums generally do not respond well to it.

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'®

From $20.00

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'® (LM300) is one of the most widely planted Australian native ornamental grasses, valued for its fine bright green strappy foliage, neat compact habit and exceptional resilience in tough landscaping conditions. A naturally compact and finer-foliaged form of the species, 'Tanika' holds a refined mounding shape without the coarser texture of standard Lomandra longifolia.

It performs reliably in full sun through to part shade, tolerates drought, frost, coastal salt and poor soils, and produces small yellow flower spikes through spring and summer that add a soft seasonal lift. At a mature size of around 60 cm tall by 60 cm wide, 'Tanika' is one of the most useful Australian natives for mass planting, modern garden borders, low-maintenance landscapes and feature pot planting.

As a compact evergreen Australian native grass for native, modern, coastal, contemporary and low-maintenance gardens, in mass plantings, borders and feature pot displays, Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika' brings fine textural foliage, year-round form and exceptional toughness to almost any garden brief.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'

How big does Lomandra 'Tanika' grow?

Lomandra 'Tanika' grows to a compact mature size of around 60 cm tall by 60 cm wide, forming a neat rounded mound of fine green strappy foliage. It is significantly more compact and finer-textured than the standard Lomandra longifolia, making it the preferred form for refined garden settings.

Where should I plant Lomandra 'Tanika'?

Lomandra 'Tanika' grows well in full sun through to part shade and tolerates a wide range of soil types from sandy through to clay. It is excellent for mass planting, low borders, coastal exposed positions and contemporary garden borders, and performs reliably in both garden beds and pots.

Is Lomandra 'Tanika' drought tolerant?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' is highly drought tolerant once established and is one of the most reliable Australian natives for low-water gardens. Through establishment it benefits from regular watering, then transitions to natural rainfall in most Australian climates.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' is frost tolerant and performs reliably across cool, temperate and warm Australian climates. The fine evergreen foliage holds its colour through winter with no protection required.

Does Lomandra 'Tanika' flower?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' produces small yellow flower spikes through spring and into summer, sitting just above the foliage. The flowers are softly fragrant and provide a delicate seasonal lift, though the plant is grown primarily for its foliage form rather than its flowering.

How do I care for Lomandra 'Tanika'?

Lomandra 'Tanika' is exceptionally low maintenance. Water through establishment, then sparingly. Every 2 to 3 years, give plants a hard tidy in late winter by removing old foliage to encourage fresh growth. No regular pruning is otherwise required.

Can it be used for mass planting?

Yes – mass planting is one of the most successful uses for Lomandra 'Tanika'. Planted on a 50 to 60 cm spacing the plants knit together into a refined textural carpet within 12 to 18 months, providing a contemporary and resilient alternative to traditional groundcovers and grasses.

Is Lomandra 'Tanika' the same as standard Lomandra longifolia?

No. 'Tanika' is a selected compact and finer-foliaged cultivated form of Lomandra longifolia (registered as LM300). It is significantly smaller, neater and more refined than the standard species, with bright green leaves and a tidy mounded habit, making it the preferred form for designed landscapes and refined garden settings.

View full details

Type: Native Grass

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'®

From $20.00

Type: Ornamental Grass

Pennisetum setaceum Fountain Grass

$20.00

Type: Feature Plant

Echium candicans Pride of Madeira

$90.00

Type: Climbers & Groundcovers

Hedera canariensis Canary Island Ivy

$10.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

From $300.00

Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Shrubs
Underplanting
Feature Tree

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree 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.

Is Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1.5 – 2.5 m

Mature Width: 1 – 2 m

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

Growth Rate of Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

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

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

Is Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree frost tolerant?

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

Does Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree Flower?

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.

Does Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

White

Is Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

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

What is the Wildlife Value of Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree ?

Its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, hoverflies, butterflies and a wide range of pollinating insects through spring and early summer. The dense evergreen canopy also provides shelter, foraging space and nesting habitat for small native birds and beneficial garden fauna, supporting biodiversity in native and wildlife garden plantings.

How much Sunlight does Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree need?

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred 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.

Is Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree Drought Tolerant?

Is Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree Drought tolerant?

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.

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How To Plant Your Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

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.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

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.

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

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

Water deeply through the first growing season. Once established, reduce watering and supplement only during extended dry periods, as 'Starry Night' is drought tolerant. Light tip pruning after flowering maintains a dense compact shape and encourages dense branching. Apply a slow-release native fertiliser low in phosphorus in early spring. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as Leptospermums generally do not respond well to it.

Planting Your Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree in Different Soil

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.

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.