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A dense shrub growing to about 1 metre tall by 1 metre wide.
It originated out of Bywong Nursery as a selected form and likely has links to L. ‘Cardwell’ and L. ‘Rhiannon’.
Leptospermum spp. have simple and alternate leaves. In this cultivar, the leaves are narrow to elliptic, 10 mm long by 4 mm wide, hairless and light to soft-green in colour.
Leptospermum spp. typically produce solitary flowers, or in small groups of 2s and 3s or more, within the leaf axils. Flowers have 5 petals and sepals and have a symmetrical rotate shape. Stamens are produced in groups of 5 which surround 1 carpel (female part). The prominent feature in Leptospermum is the hypanthium, a cup or vase-shaped receptacle that supports the flower.
In this cultivar, the flowers are produced solitarily, to 20 mm in diameter, vibrant crimson/pink in colour, occurring from August to October. It can flower very heavily. Interestingly, the author’s three-year old plant has not set any fruit to date (this may be due to its hybrid origins).
In the garden, this small shrub grows best in full sun and the author’s plant is thriving in heavy moist soil that only receives sun from mid-day onwards and no pests have been noticed. It will reportedly grow on most soils.
An attractive plant in flower and well worth growing as ideally suited to small gardens. Light pruning will keep it compact and increase the flower display.
Must be propagated from cuttings to maintain form and characteristics.
Most Leptospermum species are endemic to Australia where most are found in southern areas of the country and many make desirable garden plants. However, please note the following changes:
In 2023, the genus Leptospermum of about 90-100 species, was reclassified and reduced to about 34 species, occurring in south-east Asia, New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Australia now has at least 31 species, occurring mostly in the eastern states. NSW currently has 31 species. The remaining approximately 60 species, that were previously Leptospermum, are now classified in four new genera: Aggreflorum, Gaudium, Leptospermopsis and Apectospermum. Species in these new genera are titled as such on this website with the synonymous Leptospermum name also indicated, for clarity.
The many cultivars in existence are still titled under Leptospermum.
The nectar from the flowers of one species (L. scoparium) is harvested by bees, yielding honey, which is marketed as Manuka honey.
Many Leptospermum species have an ability to regenerate vegetatively after fire with suckering basal growth and branch-shoots. They will also regenerate by seed.
The general common name, Teatree, derives from the practice of early Australian settlers who soaked the leaves of several species in boiling water to make a herbal tea.
Leptospermum – derived from the Greek words leptos meaning “fine” or “slender” and sperma which means “seed” referring to the thin brown seeds of the genus.
‘Piccolo’ – named by Bywong Nursery. The meaning is not known but likely relates to its small compact form.
Australian National Botanic Gardens – Leptospermum profile page https://www.anbg.gov.au/leptospermum/
Bywong Nursery – Leptospermum ‘Piccolo’ Profile Page https://www.bywongnursery.com.au/products/leptospermum-piccolo/