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Kunzea spp.

kunzea

Myrtaceae

Australia, with one species extending to New Zealand

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Kunzea spp. is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen shrubs, and occasionally small trees, in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. Nearly all species are endemic to Australia; K. ericoides also occurs in New Zealand, where it is known as kanuka. Plants range from low spreading groundcovers under 12 in (30 cm) to upright shrubs reaching 16 ft (5 m). The leaves are small, narrow, and often aromatic when crushed, 0.1-0.8 in (3-20 mm) long and densely set along wiry stems. Flowers cluster at the branch tips in white, pink, or red, each small bloom carrying a brush of long stamens that gives the cluster a fluffy look, similar to the related Leptospermum spp. and Callistemon spp.. Blooming occurs mainly in spring and early summer. The genus grows in heath, woodland, and rocky sites on nutrient-poor soils and tolerates drought once established. Most species are frost-sensitive and grow outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11. K. pomifera produces edible berries known as muntries, harvested in southern Australia.

Native Range

Kunzea spp. is native to Australia, where the genus reaches its greatest diversity in the south-west and south-east. K. ericoides extends to New Zealand. Plants occur in heathland, open woodland, and rocky coastal and montane sites.

Suggested Uses

Kunzea spp. species are planted as flowering shrubs, low hedges, and groundcovers in dry and coastal gardens, and the nectar-rich flowers draw birds and insects. Prostrate forms cover banks and spill over walls. K. pomifera is grown for its edible muntrie berries.

How to Identify

Identify Kunzea spp. by its small, often heath-like aromatic leaves crowded along slender woody stems. Clusters of flowers at the branch tips carry many long protruding stamens in white, pink, or red, giving a brush- or pompom-like form. The stamens are longer than the small petals, separating Kunzea spp. from Leptospermum spp., whose stamens are shorter than the petals.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 16'

Width/Spread1'6" - 13'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Most species flower in spring and early summer, roughly September to December in their native southern hemisphere range and spring to early summer in cultivation north of the equator. Bloom lasts several weeks. Some species flower sporadically at other times.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, or red

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Kunzea spp. species grow in full sun in light, free-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH from about 5.0 to 7.0. They tolerate nutrient-poor ground, and established plants withstand extended dry periods. Most are frost-sensitive and grow outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11; in colder climates they are kept in containers and protected over winter. Sharp drainage matters, as the roots are damaged by waterlogged soil. Plants respond to light trimming after flowering with denser growth. Like many Australian natives they are phosphorus-sensitive, growing in low-phosphorus conditions and harmed by standard fertilizers.

Pruning

Light trimming after flowering keeps plants compact and encourages branching, since flowers form on the previous season growth. Hard cutting into bare old wood is avoided because many species do not regenerate from leafless stems. Spent flower clusters need no removal.