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KUNZEA ambigua
Commonly known as Tick bush
Strongly scented white flowers on an upright shrub
Further Reading....
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EvergreenNarrow, leathery leaves
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White
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Height5m (16ft) usually much shorter
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Spread5m (16ft) usually less
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Tall ShrubUsually upright shrub. Flowers, about 12mm (½in) across are produced in leafy clusters
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Tender - cool or frost free greenhouseTolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F)
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Will grow outside in milder locationsThis could include plants which would survive happily in a greenhouse or conservatory if not in a mild location. If you have a sheltered spot in your garden then it may do well here.
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Against a wallIn milder climates
KUNZEA ambigua
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
Genus of over 30 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees from sandy, mostly coastal areas of Australia. One species extends to New Zealand.
K. ambigua has a history of use as relief from muscular aches and pains.
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowCan be grown in a container in a cool glasshouse and moved outside in summer. Prune after flowering to restrict size.Medicinal propertiesEssential oil provides temporary relief from pain of arthritisPests & DiseasesNonePlace of originAustralia
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Garden Location/ConditionsGreenhouse / conservatoryNot the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winterUnder glass grow in lime-free compost in full lightPatio / pot plants
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)Half hardy (down to 0)
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeLanceolate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
RHS group 1 -
Scented PlantsScented flowers
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Seasonal InterestSpring
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Soil ConditionsFree draining sandy soilNeutral to acid soil
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WildlifeBee friendly
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kunzea - Growing Guide
5m (16ft) usually much shorter
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5m (16ft) usually less |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
After Plant Rose - Organic Plant Food
This organic plant food from Empathy contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi and is especially formulated for roses.
Easy to use at any time of the year to feed or top dress your plants.
Only £7.00