Helene Strybing New Zealand Tea Tree

The Helene Strybing New Zealand Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium ‘Helene Strybing’), also known as Manuka, is a striking evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest. In spring through summer, it produces an abundance of small, pink, waxy, saucer-shaped flowers with dark centers that cover its branches. The gray-green, needle-like foliage remains consistent throughout the year, unlike the smaller Leptospermum ‘Ruby Glow'.

This versatile shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide in full sun, making it ideal for creating privacy screens, hedges (formal or informal), or as a background element. It also thrives in large containers where it can be pruned and shaped into a patio tree. Tolerant of drought, various soil types, urban conditions, and coastal environments, it’s a resilient choice for many landscapes. Prune mature plants to reveal their sculptural branches and shaggy gray-brown bark. For best results, prune only after flowering to avoid removing blooms. Under optimal conditions, expect 1-2 feet of growth per year.