Leptospermum scoparium 'Wiri Kerry'

An evergreen, compact shrub that grows to 70cm high and 50cm wide.

Double red flowers bloom from March to October with bronze foliage.
Double red flowers. Reddish foilage (NPGB). Flowering winter through to spring.(TN) Double red double flowers from autumn through spring. Small bronze leaves.(GENP) Masses of double red flowers which flower continuously from mid winter through to late summer. (KP) Bronze foliage, double red flowers from March to October. (Auckland Botanic Garden Leaflets - Leptospermum for Auckland N 10)

Manuka grow best in well-drained soil and sunny position. It is frost tolerant and grows well in exposed coastal sites.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants. Plant after autumn rains. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root plant to plant in.

Prune lightly after flowering to promote a bushy habit and prolong the life of the plant. For a natural shape use secateurs instead of hedge clippers. Apply a general purpose fertiliser in spring. Mulching helps to conserve soil moisture but keep mulching material away from the plant stems.

Attracts a range of insect pollinators.

Sooty mould sometimes develops and can be controlled by using neem oil.

Native Plant Ideas

Bred at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.