Burgundy Tea Tree - Leptospermum morrisonii

Leptospermum morrisonii 'Burgundy', the Burgundy Tea Tree, is a striking Australian native shrub that earns its place in the garden through sheer year round impact. Deep, rich burgundy foliage provides a dramatic colour contrast in any planting scheme, while an abundance of large white flowers in spring transforms the entire plant into a spectacular floral display that is as beautiful as it is wildlife friendly.

Growing to approximately 2-4m in height and width, 'Burgundy' is a fast growing and highly versatile plant that works equally well as a background shrub, informal hedge, windbreak, or standalone feature. The deep coloured stems are also prized by florists and gardeners alike as cut foliage for floral arrangements, adding further practical value to this already outstanding plant.

Highly drought tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soil types and positions from full sun to semi-shade, the Burgundy Tea Tree is a low maintenance, high impact choice for native gardens, coastal gardens, low-water landscapes, and formal garden designs across most of Australia.

Key Features:

• Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soil types provided drainage is adequate. Not fussy about soil composition, making it adaptable to most garden conditions across Australia.
• Light: Full sun to semi-shade. The deepest and most intense burgundy foliage colour is achieved in a full sun position. In semi-shade, foliage may be slightly less vivid but the plant will still perform well and flower reliably.
• Watering: Low water needs once established. Water regularly for the first season after planting to support establishment, then reduce to occasional supplemental watering during extended dry periods. Once fully established, this plant is highly self-sufficient and requires little to no regular irrigation.
• Fertiliser: Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release fertiliser in spring. High-phosphorus fertilisers can be harmful to native plants and should be avoided. No additional feeding is generally required.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance. Mulch well around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain a tidy, bushy form and encourages fresh new growth. Generally trouble free with no significant pest or disease issues
• Flowering: Flowers in spring, producing an abundance of large white to cream blooms that cover the plant and contrast beautifully with the deep burgundy foliage. Flowers are not fragrant but are highly attractive to birds and beneficial insects. Fruit is present but insignificant.

For the deepest and most intense burgundy foliage colour, plant in full sun the more sunlight this plant receives, the richer and more dramatic the leaf colour becomes. In semi-shade, the foliage tends toward a softer, more olive-burgundy tone. If you are growing it primarily for cut foliage, regular harvesting of stems actually encourages bushier, more vigorous new growth, so don't be shy about cutting it back.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.