Leptospermum Morrisonii 'Burgundy'

Burgundy Tea Tree

Botanical Name: Leptospermum morrisonii ‘Burgundy’
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia (cool–temperate and montane regions; cultivated form)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A striking tea tree known for its deep burgundy-toned new growth and masses of soft pink to white flowers in spring. Leptospermum morrisonii ‘Burgundy’ thrives in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate when given good drainage, sun, and occasional summer watering. Its contrasting foliage, colourful flushes, and fine texture make it a standout in native gardens, feature plantings, screens, and mixed borders. Tough, adaptable, and bird-friendly, it brings ornamental foliage colour and resilient structure to South Australian landscapes.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2–3 m H × 1.5–2 m W – naturally upright to softly arching
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, narrow leaves, mid-green with rich burgundy to copper new growth; foliage lightly aromatic when crushed
• Flowers: Soft pink to blushed-white single flowers in spring; small, dainty, nectar-rich; Foliage mildly aromatic; flowers not notably fragrant
  
• Seasonal Interest: Burgundy flushes on new growth throughout the warm months, plus a mass flowering display in spring. Evergreen structure provides year-round presence
• Wildlife Value: Highly attractive to bees and small nectar-feeding birds. Dense branching offers protective shelter to small bird species
• Tolerance: Heat- and drought-tolerant once established; handles wind and second-line coastal exposure; light–moderate frost hardy. Prefers well-drained soils typical of Adelaide’s foothills and plains
• Planting Density: Screening/hedging: 1–1.2 m apart; Feature shrub: 2–3 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun for best foliage colour; light part shade tolerated
• Soil: Free-draining sandy or loamy soils; tolerates mild alkalinity and limestone
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); little needed in winter
• Maintenance: Low maintenance. Light tip prune after flowering to keep dense and promote burgundy new growth. Avoid hard pruning into old wood. Mulch annually and use low-phosphorus, native-safe fertiliser in early spring if needed
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years in well-drained sites
• Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate and Mediterranean SA — Adelaide plains, foothills, Barossa, Fleurieu, and sheltered coastal sites
• Soil pH: Tolerates slightly acidic to moderately alkaline soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Eye-catching feature shrub for colour contrast
• Soft screening or informal hedging
• Native garden backbone plant
• Pair with grevillea, eremophila, westringia, lomandra, and kangaroo paws
• Great for contemporary native plantings or mixed borders

Why You Will Love It

‘Burgundy’ brings beautiful, colourful new growth, masses of spring flowers, and reliable toughness to Adelaide gardens. Its combination of resilience, wildlife appeal, and year-round foliage interest makes it a standout choice for both modern and naturalistic South Australian landscapes.