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I was given a potted Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea tree) as a gift in March. When it arrived it was flowering beautifully but I was told it must be kept outside and would do well on a balcony (that is the only outdoor space I have, but it is south facing and a climbing rose I have is doing well there). Since then the tea tree seems to have gone downhill a bit, it has now ceased flowering - although it still has buds they look as if they have dried out. It seems to be otherwise alive though. Any advice on how to care for the plant? There seems to be a lot of contradictory advice on the internet - some say it can't survive below 10degreesC, others that it is hardy enough for much lower temperatures. Should it be brought inside? Many thanks for any advice!




Answers

 

I planted one last spring in a sheltered position it did very well until winter which it did not survive. I dont think they are hardy enough for GB? You could try bringing it in doors till the frosts have stopped.

15 Apr, 2011

 

It should be outside, and a south facing balcony is perfect. It may be that it had been inside too long and needed hardening off before being left out all night, but more likely, I suspect you've not managed to keep it watered sufficiently well, and that's why the buds are dried out. Check the rootball to see of its potbound - if it is, you need a bigger pot and some ericaceous compost, or a mix of ericaceous and multi purpose, repot, and keep well watered. Standing in a pot on a southfacing balcony is a very dry, warm/hot place to be - I know, I've got one myself (a balcony, not leptospermum, lol). It will need to be given a bit of protection during winter, but should survive most winters perfectly well out there, other than if we keep getting winters like the last one.

15 Apr, 2011

 

Thanks so much for the tips! I have been watering it well but it may indeed be that it needs to be repotted. Fingers crossed that does the trick! (very heartened to have responses so quickly, I've never used this kind of site before!)

15 Apr, 2011

How do I say thanks?

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