Leptospermum petersonii - Evergreen Trees Direct

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Leptospermum petersonii

Name: Leptospermum petersonii
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: LEPPET40cm/45L
Price: 250.00 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$250.00

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Out of stock

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Enquire within for height guide information.

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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 petersonii

Leptospermum petersonii, commonly known as the Lemon-Scented Tea Tree, is an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australia. Renowned for its bright green, lance-shaped leaves that release a refreshing lemon scent when crushed, it’s a favorite for adding both fragrance and visual appeal to gardens.

Growing 3–5 meters tall and 2–3 meters wide, this plant features delicate white to pink flowers in late spring to early summer that attract bees and pollinators. With an upright, open habit, it can be maintained as a large bush or small tree, making it versatile for hedges, screens, sensory gardens, or as a standalone specimen.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Leptospermum petersonii is low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and benefits from occasional pruning to encourage dense growth and maintain shape.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Leptospermum petersonii is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m - 5m Approximately

Mature Width: 2 – 3 meters

Leptospermum petersonii is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 cm per year.

Frost Tolerance

Is Leptospermum petersonii frost tolerant?

Leptospermum petersonii is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Leptospermum petersonii produces masses of small white, five-petalled flowers from late spring through summer. These delicate blooms line the slender aromatic foliage, adding a soft seasonal display that complements the tree’s fresh lemon scent.

Native Information

Is Leptospermum petersonii an Australian Native? Yes

Leptospermum petersonii is Native to Eastern Australia, particularly Queensland and New South Wales, where it grows naturally in open forests and along ridges.

Wildlife Value

Its nectar-rich blooms attract native bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, while the dense evergreen canopy provides shelter and foraging habitat for small birds. The fine foliage also supports insects and microfauna, enhancing biodiversity in native and cottage-style gardens.

Sunlight Information

Leptospermum petersonii will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered Soil

Leptospermum petersonii 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 areas unless improved with coarse sand and organic matter to enhance aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the plant matures to support drought resilience, healthy aromatic foliage and prolific flowering.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Lemon-Scented Tea Tree

Genus: Leptospermum

Botanical Species: petersonii

Family: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Leptospermum petersonii

Landscape Uses

Screening or Privacy
Windbreak
Feature Tree
Street Tree
Shrubs

Leptospermum petersonii works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade exposure.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Feature Planting: Space 2 – 3 m apart for natural form

Hedging & Screening: Space 1.5 – 2 m apart for dense coverage

Avenue Planting: Space 3 – 4 m apart

Caring for Leptospermum petersonii:

Water regularly during dry periods to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Prune as needed to shape the plant and promote bushier growth, ideally after flowering.

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 petersonii is expected to grow Approx 30 – 60 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
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established the Lemon-Scented Tea Tree develops good to excellent drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry and coastal conditions and maintains healthy, fragrant growth with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Flowering Information

Does Leptospermum petersonii flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Fluffy

Flower Colour:

White

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to plant Lemon-Scented Tea Tree?
Planting in early spring or fall is ideal to allow the plant to establish in moderate temperatures.
How often should I water my Lemon-Scented Tea Tree?
Regular watering is important during the establishment phase and in periods of prolonged drought.
Is Leptospermum petersonii prone to any pests or diseases?
It is generally a hardy plant but should be monitored for common garden pests and diseases.
Can Lemon-Scented Tea Tree be used for culinary or medicinal purposes?
While known for its aromatic leaves, it's primarily used for ornamental purposes and not widely used in cooking or medicine.
What are the benefits of planting a Lemon-Scented Tea Tree?
Its aromatic foliage, attractive flowers, and adaptability make it a valuable and appealing addition to diverse landscapes, particularly in gardens where sensory experience is a focus.