Much to say about manuka

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as tea tree or manuka, is found throughout New Zealand, most often as a pioneer plant in regenerating areas. It is ideal for this as it is a fast-growing shrub with tough, wind resistant foliage and a strong, fibrous root system which is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, soil moisture and fertility levels. It is invaluable in reforestation projects, as it provides great shelter for slower growing natives, dense canopy that suppresses weeds, and the flowers are an important food source for many birds and insects.

Of course, over recent decades much attention has been focused on the medicinal properties of manuka honey, which is harvested by bees over the flowering period from early winter through to summer. I was introduced to this concept when, as a student, I worked summers for my brother as a beekeeper. He was one of the first beekeepers in the country to specialise in manuka honey and remains one of the largest producers.

It truly is a special honey, but funnily enough before it became so sought after, and so expensive, it was considered an undesirable honey, due to its strong taste and dark colour. Light honeys such as thistle and clover were much preferred in those days. Anyway, I digress, manuka are also excellent shrubs for the home garden, for all these reasons, but also because breeders over the past few decades have produced some lovely varieties from the original species. For small gardens, there are dwarf varieties such as the Nanum series – Kiwi with deep pink flowers, Kea with almost white flowers, and Huia and Tui, both with light pink flowers. These grow to between 0.5 to 1 metre in height. Some of the Wiri series are also dwarf, such as Kerry, growing to between 50 to 70 cm high, with lovely frilled double red flowers.

A different look is achieved with another dwarf type, Pink Cascade, which has a weeping habit, useful for banks and retaining walls. Red Falls is another prostrate variety like this, but with large red flowers. The prostate types reach about 0.5 metres high, but can achieve a spread of several metres wide.

Medium-sized growers, which grow to between 1.5 to 2 metres high, include Princess Anne, with delightful double white flowers and red centres, Wiri Susan with large white flowers and purple centres, Wiri Donna with scarlet flowers, Wiri Joan with glorious double scarlet flowers and Wiri Linda with double white flowers. Andromeda is another lovely variety with large light pink flowers, while Blushing Star has white flowers with a maroon centre and more arching shape to the stems. Rosy Morn has lovely dark pink flowers, some of which may emerge as early as autumn, as does Red Ensign, with vibrant red flowers. Another good red variety is Red Damask. Taller growers can reach heights of 2.5 to 3 metres or even higher as they mature. Varieties include Snow Flurry, which has lovely double pure white flowers, and Burgundy Queen with deep burgundy red flowers. There are many other varieties available, including some that have been hybridised with other New Zealand and Australian species. All are tough plants that deserve a place in the garden and if they get too big, you’ll have a great source of hot burning wood for the BBQ or fireplace!