Leptospermum Stephen Rose

Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose'

Description: Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose', commonly known as Stephen Rose Tea Tree, is a charming evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant pink flowers and attractive foliage. This Australian native plant is known for its hardiness and ornamental appeal, making it a popular choice for a variety of garden settings.

Flowers: The flowers of Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose' are small, bright pink, and star-shaped, appearing in dense clusters along the branches. Blooming from late winter to early summer, these eye-catching flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding color and life to the garden.

Foliage: The foliage consists of small, narrow leaves that are bright green and aromatic when crushed. The dense, fine-textured foliage provides a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers and remains attractive year-round, contributing to the plant's ornamental appeal.

Form and Size: Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose' has a bushy, upright growth habit, typically reaching up to 1.5-2 meters (5-6.5 feet) in height and 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) in spread. Its compact form makes it ideal for use as a hedge, border plant, or in mixed shrub plantings.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Thrives in bright light but can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Adapts well to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, and prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Water: Low to moderate water requirements once established. Water regularly during the growing season to establish roots and reduce watering as the plant matures. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm, temperate to subtropical climates. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Protect from frost and extreme cold.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity levels. Suitable for typical garden conditions without the need for additional humidity.

Uses: Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose' is primarily grown for its ornamental value. It makes an excellent hedge or border plant, providing a dense, evergreen screen. The plant's vibrant flowers and lush foliage add visual interest to garden beds, borders, and large containers. It is also well-suited for use in native and wildlife gardens, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Maintenance: This plant is relatively low-maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Notes: Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose' is non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and children. It is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects, which can be treated with appropriate insecticides.

Companion Plants: Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose' pairs well with other low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants with similar growing requirements, such as:

• Grevillea species
• Callistemon species (Bottlebrush)
• Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary)
• Correa species

Common Name: Stephen Rose Tea Tree

Botanical Name: Leptospermum 'Stephen Rose'

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin: Native to Australia, cultivated as an ornamental plant variety

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