Leptospermum macrocarpum Copper Sheen - Tea-tree

Leptospermum 'Copper Sheen'  known as the tea tree, is a small bush with attractive dark purple  foliage and abundant yellow cream flowers with a green heart. Its exotic appearance will be very attractive on a terrace, in a large pot filled with ericaceous soil and placed in the sun.

Originating from Australia, Leptospermum macrocarpum is a bush from the Myrtaceae family that reaches 2 m (6 to 7 ft) in height and width. It has alternate, single, pointed, quite small leaves (max. 1 cm long). The flowers of the 'Copper Sheen' variety are composed of 5 yellow cream petals and can reach 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. They are followed by small capsules releasing fine elongated seeds.

The tea tree can withstand temperatures down to -8°C but the aerial parts can be damaged from -5°C (23 °F). In warmer regions it can be planted in a sheltered site in non-scorching sun, or even in partial shade, in soil that is fertile and well-drained. In regions with colder winters it should be grown in a pot and kept frost-free throughout the winter. In the ground Leptospermum 'Copper Sheen' combines well with other ericaceous shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese maples.

Leptospermum means "thin seed" and takes its common English name of tea tree from Captain Cook and his crew, who used its leaves to prevent scurvy.