How to Grow and Care for Kunzea

White tea-tree is a tall tree from the myrtle family that is native to New Zealand. The specific epithet "robusta" in its scientific name, Kunzea robusta, means "hard and strong like an oak," and this in fact describes its appearance and nature.

Kunzea ericoides is a spreading shrub or tree sometimes growing to a height of 18 m with bark which peels in long strips and young branches which tend to droop. The leaves are variable in shape from linear to narrow elliptic or lance-shaped 8 to 25 mm long and 1.02 to 5 mm wide with a petiole up to 1.02 mm long. The flowers are white or pale pink crowded on side branches or in the axils of upper leaves. Flowering occurs between fall and winter and is followed by fruit which is a cup-shaped capsule 2 to 5 mm long and wide.

Kunzea linearis is a resilient shrub native to New Zealand's rocky landscapes, with sprawling branches and a unique needle-like foliage that forms compact clusters. This evergreen adapts to its harsh environment with small, linear leaves that reduce water loss. Its delicate white flowers blossom in profusion, creating a striking contrast against its green backdrop, serving as a beacon to pollinators in its ecosystem.

Prostrate kanuka is recognized by its slender branches and delicate, needle-like leaves. It typically blooms with small, white to pinkish flowers that offer a subtle fragrance. Adapting to its native rough terrain, prostrate kanuka exhibits a resilient constitution, often becoming a sanctuary for local wildlife. This hardy shrub thrives under full sun, tolerating drought and contributing to its ecosystem's diversity.

Pink kunzea showcases a shrubby form crowned with spherical flower clusters, hinting at its namesake. These vibrant red to pink blooms are a stark contrast to the plant's small, needle-like leaves adapted for the dry Australian heaths where it thrives. With a resilient nature, pink kunzea thrives in nutrient-poor soils, its blossoms attracting a myriad of pollinators.