Leptospermum Scoparium Red Damask Manuka

Leptospermum Scoparium or the common Manuka or Tea Tree of New Zealand has numerous varieties. One of the most popular is Leptospermum Scoparium Red Damask, an evergreen shrub with deep red double flowers. It’s perfect for a sunny border and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.  More commonly known as Tea Tree Red Damask, this beautiful evergreen shrub is stunning when it flowers from May to July. Tea tree shrubs are related to myrtles and are native to New Zealand and Australia but Red Damask was raised in California in 1944 and has remained popular ever since.

The evergreen foliage has small and narrow dark green leaves which are pleasantly scented and keep their glossy appearance throughout the year. In spring to early summer Tea Tree Red Damask flowers profusely covering the whole bush in double red flowers measuring 12 mm in width. Flowers mature into small capsules containing the seeds.  This is a sun-loving shrub and will do best in a sunny well-sheltered position but in colder climates it's possible to grow in containers and shelter against a wall or in a greenhouse in the freezing months.

Height and Spread of Leptospermum Scoparium Red Damask
This is one of the more compact Leptospernums that will reach a maximum height and width of 2.5 metres over ten years.

How Hardy Is Leptospermum Scoparium Red Damask
Tea Tree Red Damask is hardy through most of the UK, but it needs a sheltered, well-drained spot that’s free from frost pockets to thrive. It’s drought tolerant once established and rarely bothered by pests. 

How To Use Leptospermum Scoparium Red Damask
Tea Tree Red Damask is a perfect ornamental shrub for a wide border or a gravel garden that’s sheltered by a wall. It’s also a fabulous container specimen grown in the shelter of the house. This shrub is resistant to coastal sprays on the warmer south coast and attracts plenty of pollinators to a wildlife-friendly garden. Use it near seating to appreciate the warm pleasant scent of its foliage. 

How To Look After Leptospermum Scoparium Red Damask
Grow Tea Tree Red Damask in a sunny position that’s well sheltered from freezing winds and it’ll thrive. It is happy to grow in all soils but tends to prefer acid to neutral ground. Once established, Tea Tree Red Damask doesn’t need pruning as it grows in a well-formed rounded shape, but trim it back after flowering to retain the height and symmetry if needed. 
Water well until it's established and add a thick layer of mulch in springtime for extra nutrients and healthy growing season.