Black tea-tree (Melaleuca bracteata) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Loam, Clay

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 11

Planting Time

Early spring, Mid spring

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Black tea-tree

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 11

Planting Time

Early spring, Mid spring

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Questions About Black tea-tree

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Black tea-tree?

Your Black tea-tree will not be too picky about how you choose to water it. As such, you can use just about any common watering tool to moisten this plant’s soil. Watering cans, hoses, and even cups will work just fine when it is time to water your Black tea-tree. Regardless of which watering tool you use, you should typically apply the water directly to the soil. In doing so, you should ensure that you moisten all soil areas equally to give all parts of the root system the water it needs. It can help to use filtered water, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to plants. It is also beneficial to use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, as colder or hotter water can be somewhat shocking to the Black tea-tree. However, the Black tea-tree usually responds well to any kind of water you give it.

What should I do if I water my Black tea-tree too much or too little?

For outdoor plants, especially newly planted plants or plant seedlings, they can be prone to lack of watering. Remember that you need to keep watering enough for a few months when the tree is small or just planted. This is because once the roots are established, Black tea-tree can rely on rain most of the time.

When your Black tea-tree is planted in pots, overwatering is often more likely to.When you accidentally overwater your Black tea-tree, you should be prepared to remedy the situation immediately. First, you should stop watering your plant right away to minimize the effect of your overwatering. After, you should consider removing your Black tea-tree from its pot to inspect its roots. If you find that none of the roots have developed root rot, it may be permissible to return your plant to its container. If you do discover signs of root rot, then you should trim away any roots that have been affected. You may also want to apply a fungicide to prevent further damage. Lastly, you should repot your Black tea-tree in soil that is well-draining. In the case of an underwatered Black tea-tree, simply water this plant more frequently.

Underwatering is often an easy fix. If you underwater, the plant's leaves will tend to droop and dry out and fall off, and the leaves will quickly return to fullness after sufficient watering. Please correct your watering frequency as soon as underwatering occurs.

How often should I water my Black tea-tree?

Most plants that grow naturally outdoors can be allowed to grow normally with rainfall. If your area lacks rainfall, consider giving your plants adequate watering every 2 weeks during the spring and fall. More frequent watering is needed in summer. In winter, when growth becomes slower and plants need less water, water more sparingly. Throughout the winter, you may not give it additional watering at all. If your Black tea-tree is young or newly planted, then you should water more frequently to help it establish, and mature and grow up to have more adaptable and drought tolerant plants.

For potted plants, there are two main ways that you can determine how often to water your Black tea-tree. The first way is to set a predetermined watering schedule. If you choose this route, you should plan to water this plant about once every week or once every other week. However, this approach may not always work as it does not consider the unique conditions of the growing environment for your Black tea-tree .

Your watering frequency can also change depending on the season. For instance, a predetermined watering schedule will likely not suffice during summer when this plant's water needs are highest. An alternative route is to set your watering frequency based on soil moisture. Typically, it is best to wait until the first two to four inches of soil, usually ⅓ to ½ depth of the pots, have dried out entirely before you give more water.

How much water does my Black tea-tree need?

When it comes time to water your Black tea-tree, you may be surprised to find that this plant does not always need a high volume of water. Instead, if only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, you can support healthy growth in the Black tea-tree by giving it about five to ten ounces of water every time you water. You can also decide your water volume based on soil moisture. As mentioned above, you should note how many inches of soil have dried out between waterings. A surefire way to make sure your Black tea-tree gets the moisture it needs is to supply enough water to moisten all the soil layers that became dry since the last time you watered. If more than half of the soil has become dry, you should consider giving more water than usual. In those cases, continue adding water until you see excess water draining from your pot’s drainage holes.

If your Black tea-tree is planted in an area that gets plenty of rain outdoors, it may not need additional watering. When the Black tea-tree is young or just getting established, make sure it gets 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it continues to grow and establish, it can survive entirely on rainwater and only when the weather is hot and there is no rainfall at all for 2-3 weeks, then consider giving your Black tea-tree a full watering to prevent them from suffering stress.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Black tea-tree enough?

Overwatering is a far more common problem for the Black tea-tree, and there are several signs you should look for when this occurs. Generally, an overwatered Black tea-tree will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves. Also, overwatering can cause the overall structure of your plant to shrivel and may also promote root rot. On the other hand, an underwatered Black tea-tree will also begin to wilt. It may also display leaves that are brown or brittle to the touch. Whether you see signs of overwatering or underwatering, you should be prepared to intervene and restore the health of your Black tea-tree.

How can I water my Black tea-tree at different growth stages?

When the Black tea-tree is very young, such as when it is in a seedling stage, you will need to give it more water than you would if it were at a mature age. During the early stages of this plant’s life, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist to encourage root development. The same is true for any Black tea-tree that you have transplanted to a new growing location. Also, the Black tea-tree can develop showy flowers and fruits when you give them the correct care. If your Black tea-tree is in a flowering or fruiting phase, you will likely need to give a bit more water than you usually would to support these plant structures.

How can I water my Black tea-tree through the seasons?

The seasonal changes will affect how often you water your Black tea-tree. Mainly, during the hottest summer months, you will likely need to increase how much you water this plant, especially if it grows in an area that receives ample sunlight. Strong summer sunlight can cause soil to dry out much faster than usual, meaning that you’ll need to water more frequently. By contrast, your Black tea-tree will need much less water during the winter, as it will not be in an active growing phase. During winter, you can get by with watering once every 2 to 3 weeks or sometimes not at all. For those growing this plant indoors, you should be somewhat wary of appliances such as air conditioners, which can cause your plant to dry out more quickly, which also calls for more frequent watering.

What's the difference between watering my Black tea-tree indoors vs outdoors?

In some cases, your Black tea-tree may not need any supplemental watering when it grows outside and will survive on rainwater alone. However, if you live in an area of little to no rain, you should water this plant about every two weeks. If you belong to the group of people who live out of this plant's natural hardiness zone, you should grow it indoors. In an indoor setting, you should monitor your plant's soil as it can dry out more quickly when it is in a container or when it is exposed to HVAC units such as air conditioners. Those drying factors will lead you to water this plant a bit more often than if you grew it outdoors.

Is pruning necessary for my Black tea-tree?

Before your Black tea-tree hedge begins taking over the sidewalk, or your hanging basket Black tea-trees start to look scraggly, it is a good idea to think about pruning. Without proper maintenance, Black tea-tree may grow rapidly and uncontrollably, crowding out other plants. If you decide to include Black tea-tree in your garden or landscaping plan, you should monitor its growth carefully and have a plan for pruning. Pruning is as important for the Black tea-tree as it is for any other ornamental plant species that you may choose to grow in your garden. If you prune this plant properly, you can enhance its overall health while preserving its most showy ornamental features. With that said, you cannot expect to reap those benefits if you don’t know when and how to prune this species. In fact, improper pruning can cause you to remove the season’s blooms, detracting significantly from the Black tea-tree’s beauty. Even if you live in a cooler area or only plan to grow Black tea-tree in pots or hanging baskets, regular pruning can encourage blooming and keep your plants healthy and vigorous.

When is the best time to prune my Black tea-tree?

As Black tea-tree blooms earlier than normal plants, pruning should also be earlier. What you should do instead is wait until the late spring or early summer to prune if you want to prune your Black tea-tree on a large scale. The ideal time for pruning takes place at the end or just after this plant’s bloom period. Also, you should avoid pruning late in summer and into fall, pruning at this time may affect the flowering of plants the following year. Additionally, you may want to trim the plants throughout the growing season to encourage blooming. You can also prune at any time if there is any yellowing or diseased foliage.

How can I prune my Black tea-tree?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. Remove any dead or decayed stems first, cutting them off just above the damaged section or cutting them completely to the ground. Next, consider the desired height and shape of your Black tea-tree, and then prune accordingly. To control the size of your Black tea-tree, you can cut back as much as one third of its height and girth, and it is best done by pruning immediately after flowering Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head.

What should I do after pruning my Black tea-tree?

Black tea-tree is generally tolerant of limited water and may become mildewy with too much water. Right after pruning is a good time to water and fertilizer though, to encourage new growth and blooming. However, care needs to be taken to avoid wounded areas when watering to avoid fungal infestation of the plant through fresh wounds. When you are ready to dispose of sections of the plant that you removed during pruning, there are two important things to keep in mind. Black tea-tree leaves or branches found to be diseased need to be trimmed off and destroyed away from the plant. Do not used as compost material. Wherever you dispose of the trimmings, remember that Black tea-tree roots and spreads easily. Be careful that your trimmings do not inadvertently produce new, unwanted Black tea-tree.

What are some tips for pruning my Black tea-tree?

From hedges to containers, in any landscape or garden, annual pruning and regular trims can encourage Black tea-tree produce beautiful blooms and remain healthy for many years. For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. As you are pruning your Black tea-tree, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetrically. Try not to prune heavily at flowering time, just the dried flowers need to be pruned back as this will affect flowering. A useful approach is to remove only the longer branches and sucker shoots, leaving the blooms closer to the primary stems intact. Finally, as you prune, be on the lookout for mold or mildew. Black tea-tree is susceptible to fungal or bacterial and you will want to address this problem, removing molded or fungal(bacterial) sections to avoid further damage to your Black tea-tree.

How much/long should Black tea-tree get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

For healthy growth, make sure that Black tea-tree receives at least 3–6 hours of sun each day. This is actually a minimum requirement—most plants that can handle part sun can also thrive in full sun, but because they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more flexible than plants that require full sun or part shade.

What type of sunlight does Black tea-tree need?

Black tea-tree does best with exposure to full or part sun. They will perform best with direct morning light, but in summer they need protection from the strong afternoon sun. In temperate environments, too much hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance and health.

Can sunlight damage Black tea-tree? How to protect Black tea-tree from the sun and heat damage?

Black tea-tree planted indoors can easily be damaged by direct sunlight when it's moved outdoors. The best way to prevent sunburns from overexposure is to move pots gradually from a shaded area to a brighter spot, gradually. But even plants that are acclimated to the summer sun can be damaged by extreme heat. In a heatwave, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist so that plants can cope with excessive levels of heat. Moving plants in containers to areas with afternoon shade or erecting a shade cloth over them can protect sensitive Black tea-tree during extreme weather events.

Does Black tea-tree need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Black tea-tree from the sun?

While bright morning sun and some full sun exposure can be highly beneficial for Black tea-tree, the harsh, hot midday sun of summer can be too much to handle.

If planted in the ground, the summer sun will usually ramp up slowly enough through the season for Black tea-tree to gradually adapt to its intensity. But a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location will often suffer injury when placed suddenly into a location where the direct summer sun reaches it in the hottest part of the day.

To protect this plant from the brutal afternoon summer sun, plant or place it in an understory location where it is shaded at midday by taller trees and plants or by a building or landscape feature.

What will happen if Black tea-tree gets inadequate sunlight?

When Black tea-tree receives too little sun, they may become pale green or display drooping, yellow leaves. While some leaf drop is normal, if leaves are dropping but no new ones are growing in to replace them, it is a sign that something is wrong. If Black tea-tree receiving inadequate light does manage to grow, the new growth is often spindly, pale, and prone to insect infestation. Paying attention to these signs and changing the lighting conditions of the plant will make a significant difference.

Does Black tea-tree need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Tender, new leaves are especially sensitive to sunburn. Bearing this in mind, very young Black tea-tree and when it's in a strong growth phase, such as in late spring and early summer, will be more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than the mature one or those in a more dormant fall growth stage. Black tea-tree fresh from a nursery is also usually not prepared for strong full sunlight and must be introduced to it slowly.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Black tea-tree?

Recently transplanted Black tea-tree will often experience a bit of shock and will need to be cared for carefully, either shaded from bright afternoon sun or placed in a protected area. On very hot days, you may see the leaves of Black tea-tree drooping—this is usually nothing to worry about. Plants will send the water in their leaves down into their roots to protect them from burning. However, if the leaves are still drooping in the evening or the next morning, the plant needs water. Always avoid watering during the hottest times of day, as sunlight can hit wet leaves and scorch them easily.

Black tea-tree that has been underwatered will be weaker than that with consistently moist soil. This can leave it with weak roots that are unable to protect the leaves on hot, sunny summer days by diverting water away from the leaves. Care for an underwatered plant by giving it a long, deep watering and then allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Even if it loses its leaves, if cared for properly it will grow new ones.

What is the optimal temperature for Black tea-tree?

Colder temperatures can affect plants since they have the same temperature as the air around them. When they are exposed to the sun, they can start to get warm again, but this is not the case during winter. The temperature range for the Black tea-tree is often 70~85℉(21~30℃). They might tolerate 20~30℉(-6~0℃) even 15℉(-10℃), but not for long since this can result in frost damage. Maximum temperatures should be around 70~85℉(21~30℃), but make sure that you spray them with water from time to time and give them some shade to prevent wilting.

Should I adjust the temperature for Black tea-tree during different growing phases?

Do some research and make sure that the temperature is right when growing Black tea-tree. Some growers might consider decreasing the plants' thermostats during the growing season to reduce HVAC costs. However, it's vital to understand that the temperature can affect the flowering, pest management, and quality of the plants.

There will be a temperature point where the Black tea-tree will stop growing, and this can happen during the winter when some species might go into a dormant state. The base temperature becomes warmer when the season changes and the Black tea-tree can grow faster. The species that are naturally growing in warm habitats have higher optimum temperatures when you compare them to the ones that thrive in a cooler climate.

When the seeds of Black tea-tree are exposed to cool temperatures, this can cause a decrease in uniformity and delays. You might also want to lower the temperature during flowering but not at other phases. Cooler temperatures at night will also require less water, so adjust the irrigation as needed.

How can I keep Black tea-tree warm in cold seasons?

Stop fertilizing the plant to avoid new growth and allow the old ones to become hardy. This way, they can endure colder temperature when it begins to drop. To keep them warm, you can build structures around the Black tea-tree like cages or trellises. There are also options to use heat mats that can gently warm the soil since they can consistently maintain an ideal temperature range for the Black tea-tree.

How can I save Black tea-tree from temperature damage?

During winter, you can protect the Black tea-tree from frost by covering it with cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets. Make sure to keep them down so they continue to act as insulators and the wind will not blow them away. However, ensure that the plastic sheets or burlap covers should not touch any part of the fruit or foliage, or the cold temperatures can transfer to the material and cause burns. When the temperatures begin to rise during the daytime, remove the covers.

Should I adjust the temperature for Black tea-tree in different seasons?

When growing the Black tea-tree in spring, you might want to increase humidity since the air temperature tends to be cooler at this time. A dry temperature can be a stressful growing environment for various species, which can help. If summer arrives, the large cover of the greenhouse and the warm temperature will mean that there will be a higher humidity level in the air. Some signs to look for are the condensation that is often found on the walls of the greenhouse, and this can cause issues with pollination and the development of infections when the water begins to fall on the leaves. Make adjustments according to the temperature and do some spraying during the hotter days of the year.

What damage will Black tea-tree suffer if the temperature is too high/low?

Generally, the first cold snap can destroy the Black tea-tree and others might go into a dormant state when the temperature is low. Some plants can get chilled when the temperatures range from 20~30℉(-6~0℃). They can freeze when the temperature begins to drop below 32℉(0℃). Those species that hide most of their parts under the soil might lose their structures above ground, but they can recover in spring. Some of the associated issues with too low temperatures are the lack of availability of resources like water, and nutrients, and those subtropical plants can suffer when the temperature reaches below 20℉(-6℃). The plants can also get damaged because of extreme heat stress when it's too high. This can reduce the transpiration rate that can affect the growth and productivity of Black tea-tree.

What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Black tea-tree?

You need to cover the plants at night since these can add about 5 degrees more to protect the species from frost and freezing temperatures. The cloth rows can work well as blankets and ensure that there are no openings where the heat could escape.

When using the covers, avoid the plastic from touching the foliage because this can cause the Black tea-tree to freeze. Remember to keep the covers during the day and stop using heat pads during the summer. It will always be worth the effort to protect the cold-intolerant plants from freezing temperatures to help them survive.

How can I keep Black tea-tree warm without a heat pad?

If you prefer not to use a heat pad, bring the Black tea-tree inside, especially if it's freezing outdoors. During spring, consider the ones you need to bring indoors and plant them in moveable pots and containers.

How can I provide Black tea-tree with an adequate temperature condition?

Most often, the ones caring for the Black tea-tree will grow them in greenhouses. This is because they can provide adequate temperature in these areas that won't affect the photosynthesis process of a specific process.

Some install the proper HVAC systems to control the temperatures of Black tea-tree. This can handle many species' cooling and heating needs, especially during the summer and winter. They generally place the cooling or heating pad under the plants rather than above to achieve their desired temperatures.

If outdoors, you can protect the Black tea-tree from frost by covering it with cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets.

Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Black tea-tree?

Heat mats are often left on Black tea-tree to set the temperatures at a more consistent level. When the weather becomes warmer during the day, you can remove them, especially if the species are exposed to the sun. Put the pads away once the plants are established and when they start growing flowers and fruits.

Why do I need to fertilize my Black tea-tree?

You need to fertilize a Black tea-tree for a few important reasons. The most obvious of these reasons is that fertilizer will help your Black tea-tree produce lovely blooms. Fertilizing in early spring is one of the best ways to ensure that your Black tea-tree has excellent flowers during that season.

Fertilizer also gives your Black tea-tree plenty of energy that it can store in the ground during its dormant growth phases. Giving your Black tea-tree some extra nutrients during the fall planting process or during the late spring will help your Black tea-tree hold more energy to use once active growth resumes.

When is the best time to fertilize my Black tea-tree?

Timing is crucial when it comes to fertilizing Black tea-tree. If you use fertilizer too early while the Black tea-tree is still dormant at this time. This fertilizer cannot be used effectively and will be washed away by rainwater, causing waste and pollution. The first application of fertilizer should be applied in the early spring. Continue fertilizing once a month until early summer.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Black tea-tree?

Avoid giving Black tea-tree a fertilizer with too much nitrogen, since this can lead to development of plenty of leaves but not many blooms. Look for fertilizer with a lower level of nitrogen compared to other nutrients.

Do not fertilize after the early autumn, which can cause too much growth just before winter. Also, Black tea-tree should not be fertilized during hot and dry times of year, since dry soil does not deliver fertilizer as effectively as moist soil. Fertilizing at this time can also stimulate growth which in turn needs more water that may not be available. It is best to keep fertilizer for earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler.

Finally, remember that Black tea-tree can absorb fertilizer that has been applied to nearby plants or lawns, so be cautious about inadvertently giving tree/shurb a double-dose of fertilizer.

What type of fertilizer does my Black tea-tree need?

The ideal fertilizer for a Black tea-tree is one that has a relatively balanced mix of the three main plant nutrients, with slightly higher amounts of phosphorus. Alternatively, some gardeners choose to improve their Black tea-tree 's soil by adding organic materials such as compost, worm castings, and manure. Some experienced gardeners will supplement 1-2 times with water-soluble fertilizers containing phosphorus when the flower buds start to appear. This will help the flowers develop better and allow them to grow larger and bloom longer.

Fertilizers can come in many forms, and most of these forms will work well for your Black tea-tree. However, some of the best fertilizers for Black tea-tree come in either a liquid or a powdered form. Regardless of which you use, you should ensure that you dilute your fertilizer and apply it while watering your Black tea-tree.

How do I fertilize my Black tea-tree?

Always follow directions for the specific type of fertilizer and do research on how to use it for the Black tea-tree you are growing. It is important not to over-fertilize your Black tea-tree, so determining the correct amount to use is crucial. The usual rule of thumb is to use the age of the tree (if known) or the diameter of the trunk to understand how much fertilizer should be used. Estimate a one-tenth of a pound of fertilizer per year or per inch of trunk, with a maximum of one pound.

Granular fertilizers and organic fertilizers such as blood meal are applied by sprinkling the substance around the base of the tree all the way to the drip line (the space below the farthest-reaching branches) but do not let fertilizer come in contact with the trunk. Over time, the granules break down and filter into the soil to be absorbed into the roots. After fertilizing, spread an inch-deep layer of compost around the base of the tree and water thoroughly.

What happens if I fertilize my Black tea-tree too much?

It is far better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize, since you can always add more but you cannot easily take away excess fertilizer. Over-fertilizing your Black tea-tree may cause brown leaf tips and edges, yellowing, wilting leaves, and possibly a visible crust of fertilizer salts on the surface of the soil around the tree. This condition is called fertilizer burn and results from too many accumulated salts in the plant’s cells. If excess nitrogen is the issue, the Black tea-tree will produce a lot of leaves but won’t grow much flowers since nitrogen supports foliage growth.

If you have overfertilized, you could try removing the top layer of soil under the Black tea-tree to remove the most concentrated area of fertilizer. Then flush the area by watering heavily to try to get rid of fertilizer around the roots.

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More About How-Tos

Explore 5 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, etc.

Feng shui direction

South

The black tea-tree exudes potent grounding energy, an essential attribute in Feng Shui. When positioned in the southern direction, it encourages growth and progress, echoing the southern attributes of fire and advancement. However, interpretation of Feng Shui principles can be subjective and it's essential to feel a sense of harmony when positioning your black tea-tree.

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Lighting

Full sun

Black tea-tree thrives under an unabated exposure to the sun. In its original habitat, it flourished under an open sky and unfiltered solar radiation. While the plant can endure varying light conditions, prolonged absence of strong solar exposure could impair its vigorous growth and result in weakened vitality.

Temperature

-5 43 ℃

Black tea-tree is native to environments with moderate temperatures, thriving best between 59 to 100 °F (15 to 38 ℃). Seasonally, minimal adjustments are needed to maintain this range. Care should be taken during extreme weather.

Transplant

5-7 feet

Black tea-tree's ideal transplanting period is the later part of spring to early summer (reference S2-S4), when moderate temperatures and longer daylight hours encourage root growth. Choose a sunny location for black tea-tree. If needed, remember mature plants can be challenging to transplant due to their extensive root system.

Gomesa flexuosa is a flowering plant species that attract butterflies and grows well in high humidity conditions. This species is often planted for ornamental purposes in conservatories. Its main flower stalks can branch many times and each branch has up to 10 flowers. When blooming, It is highly attractive.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Black tea-tree based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Fruit withering

Fungal infection or normal ripening can cause the fruit to dry out.

Solutions: There are a number of appropriate solutions to control fruit withering: Remove any fruit as soon as it shows any signs of infection. Do not compost. Use a fungicide prior to leaf bud and then as per manufacturers instructions throughout the season.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Banks of rivers and streams

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Cream

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

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Plant Collection Most Common Shrub Laurustinus See More Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is a flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and it often adorns winter gardens. When little else is growing during cold days of winter, Laurustinus produces numerous clusters of tiny white flowers. Add to My GardenContinue reading “Most Common Shrub”

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Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

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Santolina chamaecyparissus

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it isContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Most Common Shrub

Plant Collection Most Common Shrub China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy toContinue reading “Most Common Shrub”

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Add to My Garden

Black tea-tree

Melaleuca bracteata

Also known as: Mock olive

Planting Time

Early spring, Mid spring

Care Guide for Black tea-tree

Soil

Loam, Clay

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 11

Planting Time

Early spring, Mid spring

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Questions About Black tea-tree

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Black tea-tree?

What should I do if I water my Black tea-tree too much or too little?

How often should I water my Black tea-tree?

How much water does my Black tea-tree need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Black tea-tree enough?

How can I water my Black tea-tree at different growth stages?

How can I water my Black tea-tree through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Black tea-tree indoors vs outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Black tea-tree?

When is the best time to prune my Black tea-tree?

How can I prune my Black tea-tree?

What should I do after pruning my Black tea-tree?

What are some tips for pruning my Black tea-tree?

How much/long should Black tea-tree get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

What type of sunlight does Black tea-tree need?

Can sunlight damage Black tea-tree? How to protect Black tea-tree from the sun and heat damage?

Does Black tea-tree need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Black tea-tree from the sun?

What will happen if Black tea-tree gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Black tea-tree need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Black tea-tree?

What is the optimal temperature for Black tea-tree?

Should I adjust the temperature for Black tea-tree during different growing phases?

How can I keep Black tea-tree warm in cold seasons?

How can I save Black tea-tree from temperature damage?

Should I adjust the temperature for Black tea-tree in different seasons?

What damage will Black tea-tree suffer if the temperature is too high/low?

What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Black tea-tree?

How can I keep Black tea-tree warm without a heat pad?

How can I provide Black tea-tree with an adequate temperature condition?

Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Black tea-tree?

Why do I need to fertilize my Black tea-tree?

When is the best time to fertilize my Black tea-tree?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Black tea-tree?

What type of fertilizer does my Black tea-tree need?

How do I fertilize my Black tea-tree?

What happens if I fertilize my Black tea-tree too much?

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More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Black tea-tree based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Learn More

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

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Fruit withering

Fungal infection or normal ripening can cause the fruit to dry out.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Banks of rivers and streams

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Cream

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

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Common snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus

Most Common Shrub

Most Common Shrub