5x Kanuka - $5.99 each
Kunzea ericoides
Common names: Kānakā, White Tea-tree, Burgan
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen Tree / Large Shrub
Overview
Kunzea ericoides (Kānakā / White Tea-tree) is a fast-growing, hardy New Zealand native known for its fine, heath-like foliage and masses of white, honey-scented flowers. Highly resilient and adaptable, it thrives from coastal environments to dry, exposed hillsides, making it an exceptional choice for shelter, revegetation, and low-maintenance landscaping.
Key Features
Foliage: Soft, narrow, needle-like green leaves giving a light, airy texture; aromatic when crushed.
Flowers / Fruit: Abundant clusters of small white flowers in late spring–summer; highly attractive to bees, providing excellent nectar value.
Form & Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a graceful, open canopy; naturally bushy in youth, becoming more rugged and characterful with age.
Growth Rate: Fast.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Significant ecological importance—provides habitat for insects and birds, stabilises soil, and plays a key part in natural succession and restoration plantings.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 5–15 m (occasionally taller) |
| Spread | 3–6 m |
| Form | Upright, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (best); tolerates light shade |
| Water | Low once established; drought-tolerant |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; thrives in sandy, rocky, or poor soils |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Very hardy; tolerates frost, wind, and coastal exposure |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
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Shelterbelt, hedging, and screening
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Coastal, dry, or exposed sites
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Restoration and ecological planting
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Fast-establishing nurse plant for slower natives like totara, kahikatea, and rata
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Adds light texture and seasonal flower displays to large gardens
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Can be clipped when young for hedge form; otherwise requires little pruning.
Watering: Water during establishment only; low needs once mature.
Feeding: Not necessary except on extremely poor soils.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant.
Additional Tips
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Excellent as a fast “pioneer species” to improve soil and microclimate for other natives.
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Performs exceptionally well in sandy and coastal soils.
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Works beautifully in naturalistic or large-scale native designs.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Kunzea was once grouped with Leptospermum (manuka) but was reclassified due to key differences in growth habit, bark, and floral structure—making it a distinct and ecologically important genus.
Why Choose Kunzea ericoides?
A tough, fast-growing, versatile native that thrives where other plants struggle—ideal for shelter, restoration, coastal gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
