A small tree with masses of white flowers in spring, Kunzea ericoides is also known as the White Tea Tree as well as Burgan. This is a tall-growing species that can reach over 8 metres in height.
The more compact forms that reach around 1m in height, such as K. ericoides ‘Snowman’, are more widely used as garden plants than the species itself.
A form with variegated foliage is also available.
Plant Profile and Growing Hints
A large white-flowering species, Kunzea ericoides is one of the more cold-tolerant Kunzea species. Reaching around 6–8m in height depending on conditions, like its relatives it has scented foliage and masses of flowers from spring through to summer.
The flowers are attractive to bees and other insects, making the plant useful in gardens where attracting pollinators is important. The foliage is mid green and aromatic when crushed.
Kunzea ericoides is used in landscaping to help revegetate or reclaim degraded areas. It requires little attention once established and is well suited to naturalistic planting schemes and larger gardens. It is also known by the common names ‘White Tea Tree’, ‘Burgan’ and ‘Kanuka’.
How to Grow Kunzea ericoides
This species is tolerant of a range of conditions, from frost to extreme heat. It copes with low water once established and requires little fertiliser, although it will respond to a low-phosphorus fertiliser during the first few years if growth is poor.
Position
Plant Kunzea ericoides in full sun to light shade. A position with good air circulation and plenty of sunlight will encourage healthy growth and flowering.
The species is adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions once established, making it useful for low-maintenance native plantings.
Soil
A well-drained, humus-rich sandy soil is ideal. Avoid constantly waterlogged soils, particularly when establishing young plants.
Although Kunzea ericoides can tolerate poorer soils, improving the soil with organic matter before planting can help young plants establish more quickly.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year or two after planting, particularly during hot and dry weather. Once established, Kunzea ericoides is reasonably drought tolerant and will cope with low water conditions.
Good drainage is important, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Fertiliser
This is not a plant that requires heavy feeding. It generally needs little fertiliser once established.
If additional feeding is required during the first few years, use a low-phosphorus fertiliser suitable for Australian native plants and follow the directions on the product.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not required, although plants can be lightly trimmed after flowering to maintain a more compact shape or remove unwanted growth.
The smaller cultivated forms, such as K. ericoides ‘Snowman’, are particularly useful where space is limited.
Flowers and Foliage
Kunzea ericoides has mid-green, scented foliage and produces masses of creamy white flowers from spring through to summer.
The flowers can attract bees and other beneficial insects, adding further value to the plant in a wildlife-friendly garden.
The tall-growing habit of the species makes it more suitable for larger gardens, screening and revegetation work, while compact forms are better suited to smaller garden beds.
Be Careful
Due to its ability to spread, in fact it is regarded as invasive in some areas, and the volatile oils in the foliage Kunzea ericoides is not recommended by some councils and CFA brigades for planting close to houses in bushfire prone areas.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Kunzea ericoides
- Common Name – White Kunzea, White Tea Tree
- Family – Myrtaceae
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Well drained, humus rich sandy moist soils.
- Height – To around 8 metres.
- Spread – To around 3 – 4 metres.
- Growth rate – Medium.
- Flowers – Creamy White.
- Flowering time – Summer.
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Frost tolerant – Very mild frosts only.
- Drought tolerant – Yes.
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