Most of us know how wonderful Tea trees are for our pollinators and honey bees, and Leptospermum polygalifolium is up there with some of the most floriferous. This gorgeous low growing and cascading form is Leptospermum polygalifolium ssp. cismontanum ‘Vertical Drop’. This sub species naturally grows on the east coast of Australia in sandy and peaty swamps or in dry sclerophyll forest, making the ‘Vertical Drop’ hybrid very versatile.

The prostrate growth habit of Leptospermum ‘Vertical drop’ allows this plant to spill over retaining walls, but can also be used as a ground cover on banks for erosion control. Brighten up any dull space or hide any retaining wall with the cascading, branching stems.

L.polygalifolium has been used alot in hybridisation work and is one of the parents of many cultivars. In late Winter to early spring a profusion of small white star like flowers cover this plant. It becomes a feature of any garden when in flower. Attracting native pollinators, small birds, bees and butterflies.

‘Vertical Drop’ is very low maintenance there is no need to prune it unless it is looking a bit scrappy over time. An application of slow release native fertiliser in Spring can give it an extra boost.

It is great for coastal gardens, a good water wise plant, but can handle excessive wet weather, it also tolerates light frost.

It grows to 0.4mt high with a spread of 1.5mt. If you are tight on space it can also be grown in a large pot, the weeping branches spilling over the side.

When not in flower it creates a dense mat of foliage which grows in interesting waves, not dissimilar to Casuarina glauca prostrate.