Leptospermum obovatum Starry Night

Common Name: Starry Night Tea Tree

Description: Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' is a graceful, fast-growing Australian native shrub known for its striking dark purple to black foliage and weeping habit. In late spring and summer, it produces a profusion of starry white flowers that attract butterflies and small birds, such as wrens and thornbills, enhancing garden biodiversity. This versatile plant can serve as an eye-catching specimen in courtyards, an informal screen against walls or fences, or as a medium-sized hedge. Its year-round dark foliage provides excellent contrast in garden landscapes.

Form:

• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: Approximately 2 to 3 meters
• Width: Approximately 1.5 to 2 meters

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Spring
• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• White

Key Attributes:

• Australian native
• Fast-growing
• Drought tolerant
• Attracts butterflies and small birds
• Suitable for hedging and screening
• Weeping habit
• Year-round dark foliage

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans and animals

Companion Plants:

• Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'
• Callistemon 'Little John'
• Westringia fruticosa
• Correa 'Dusky Bells'

Note: Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' thrives in well-drained soils and is adaptable to various soil types, including loamy, sandy loam, and clay loam. It is suitable for sub-tropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean, and cool climates, making it well-suited to Melbourne's conditions. Regular pruning after flowering can help maintain the desired shape and promote denser growth. This cultivar is protected by Plant Breeders Rights and cannot be propagated commercially without approval; however, home gardeners can propagate plants for their own use.