Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as kānuka, kanuka, white tea-tree or burgan, is a tree or shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to New Zealand. It has white or pink flowers similar to those of Leptospermum and from its first formal description in 1832 until 1983 was known as Leptospermum ericoides. The flowers have five petals and up to 25 stamens which are mostly longer than the petals.
White tea-tree has good disease resistance and is generally not prone to disease. In terms of care, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. When grown outdoors, it needs minimal watering and larger plants usually do not require pruning. However, smaller plants should be pruned after they finish blooming. White tea-tree is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.
How to keep Kunzea Ericoides.
Light
The white tea-tree comes from open habitats, like sunny meadows and the edges of forests, which supply abundant light. It prefers Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to different levels of sunlight.
Temperature
White tea-tree is very adaptable to a variety of climatic conditions, whether in blazing summers or cold winters. Nevertheless, it has a preferred temperature range for growth. If temperatures rise too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can cause it to die. In locations where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it is important to use insulation to protect the plant.
Fertilizer
Timing is essential for feeding the White tea-tree. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Kunzea
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Mature Spread
- 1.52 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
