Water-Wise Gardening

California-Friendly Plant: New Zealand Tea Tree

Gaiety Girl, Pink Pearl, Ruby Glow and Snow White: These are not names of new cosmetic products but rather a few of the New Zealand Tea Tree’s wide selection of varieties. The basic species of this plant is uncommon to California, but its many varieties can be readily found at local nurseries and are great additions to your drought-tolerant garden. Some water is required when the plant is young, but it only needs a splash each month after it has been established.

This lovely shrub has white, pink and red flowers that resemble tiny wild roses, and blooms for up to seven months each spring and summer. Although its growth starts off slow, the New Zealand Tea Tree can reach up to 15 feet in height after a few years. Several plants could easily make a screen or un-pruned hedge with dense needlelike and fragrant green leaves.