This is known as the New Zealand tea tree, but the cultivated varieties are mainly dense shrubs, some of them very dwarf. The stems are lined with small leaves, drak green to greyish green, and the flowers come in a range of colours, pink to white. They are not all fully hardy in Britain, but we have had some exposed to everything the Scottish winter can throw at them, and they have not been affected at all.

Leptospermum scoparium 'Red Damask' is a compact shrub with arching shoots and small, narrow, dark green leaves. It bears deep red, fully double flowers and has the advantage of flowering very freely. It can be tender to frost so should be placed in a sheltered position.