Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) in the wild form has small white flowers but the discovery of very rare plants with red and double petals has lead to many ornamental cultivars of this species. Leptospermum scoparium also occurs in Australia along with about 83 Leptospermum species endemic to that country. This has lead to many hybrids occuring spontaneously. From these many cultuvars have been breed. Below are a few of the cultivars that can be purchased from NZ nurseries.
Leptospermum Mesmer Eyes is a medium sized shrub that grows to approximately 1.5 meters tall and 1 meter across. During spring it produces s large flowers that opening white and change to pink as they age. The large flowers have dark centers and pink stamens that resemble resembling eye lashes, giving the rise to the name 'Mesmer Eyes'.
Leptospermum Pageant is a a cross between Leptospermum 'Cardwell' and Leptospermum 'Rhiannon'. It is a low spreading shrub that grows >1.5m high > 2m across. In spring it is covered with masses of purple flowers.
Leptospermum Blushing Star is a new dwarf release in 2014 Will grow to about 1.5m in height with a spread of 2m.
Leptospermum Centaurus. A small teatree growing to about 1.5m. It has bright little cerise and white flowers and with prominent stamens.
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Leptospermum Mahinepua
A prostrate shrub with white flowers in late winter and spring This plant was was named L. Mahinepua after the place of discovery in Northland.
Photographed at Southern Woods Plant Nursery, 1133 Main South Road, Templeton, Christchurch
Leptospermum Princess Anne a compact upright tree with aromatic foliage, Height 2m Width 1m
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Leptospermum Coral Candy is a small shrub growing to 2 m. tall. It has double flowers striped red and candy-pink in late winter and spring
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Leptospermum Red Ensign has an upright, bushy habit( 2 × 1.5 m). The single crimson flowers are produced in great profusion.
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Leptospermum scoparium 'Apple Blossom' is a multibranched, evergreen shrub that can grow to 6m in height. It is an early cultivar of the New Zealand native shrub Leptospermum scoparium commonly called Manuka. During spring and summer, it has masses of double soft-pink flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. It has small needle-like green leaves which grow on upright spreading stems.''''''
Leptospermum Blossom is a large, soft double pink flowering manuka. Grows to H 2m x W 1.8m.
Leptospermum Nanum Ruru is a dwarf, tightly-branched evergreen shrub (H: 1m; W: 1m) and is one of the miniature cultivars named after various birds. It is covered with extremely tiny, dark green foliage and it develops flowers with deep- pink petals deepening to crimson at the base.
Leptospermum Karekare. This hybrid was discovered at Karekare on Aucklands west coast. It has a slow sturdy growth. Has abundant white single flowers during late spring.
Leptospermum Rosy Mornis a compact shrup growing to a height of 1.5m. It has large double pink flowers during autumn to spring. The foliage has areddish tinge.
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Leptospermum Wiri Shelly was bred in Auckland Botanic Gardens. It has single deep pink flowers in early spring and autumn.
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'''''' Leptospermum Pink Cascade
(Ground Cover) grows to a height of 0.5m and can obtain a spread of 2m. Flowers from spring to summer.
Leptospermum Phoenix
is a compact shrub which will grow to approximately >2 meters in height. It produces large mauve flowers during spring.
Leptospermum scoparium "Wiri Kelly"
Leptospermum Wiri Susan. A compact evergreen with a large white single flowers. Green foliage. Grows to a height of 2m.
Leptospermum Huia one of the dwarf cultivars of the so-called bird series of manuka, all of which are named after New Zealand native birds.
Leptospermum Kea is a dwarf tea tree that has large pink flowers summer/autumn. Height: 0.45m; Spread: 0.45m.
Leptospermum scoparium 'Ruru' is one of the dwarf cultivars of the so-called bird series of manuka, all of which are named after New Zealand native birds.'
Leptospermum Tui one of the dwarf cultivars of the so-called bird series of manuka, all of which are named after New Zealand native birds.
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Leptospermum Wairere is a prostrate manuka with single pale pink flowers. Height: 0.3m; Spread: 0.75m.